Logistics partner

Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics signs up with Volvo Ocean Race

The Volvo Ocean Race has signed the Norwegian-based global logistics company, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics, as its sole logistics partner for the 2008-09 event.  

Arild B. Iversen, President and Chief Executive Officer of the long-established logistics provider, signed the contract for the world’s premier offshore ocean race with Glenn Bourke, Volvo Ocean Race CEO, in Oslo today.

"We are pleased to have Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics on board as our logistics provider," Bourke said. "Given their outstanding track record as our ocean carrier for the 2005-06 event, it was natural for us to want to appoint them in an extended role as our Official Logistics Provider for the 2008-09 race. Their global network, professionalism and strong environmental focus are an excellent match for the aims and ambitions of the Volvo Ocean Race."

Arild Iversen said: "Volvo and Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics share many of the same core business values, including innovation, quality, safety and environmental care, so sponsoring the Volvo Ocean Race again for the 2008-09 series was a natural choice for us and gives us an opportunity to promote our brand to a potential two billion television viewers who are likely to follow this race."

WWL will be making use of its extensive global network on the new race route which includes the Middle East, Southeast Asia and China on its 39,000 nautical mile odyssey around the world.

"Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics will be transporting essential race and promotional supplies to each of the stopovers," Iversen said. "Our sponsorship provides us with an excellent way of demonstrating our total logistics supply chain abilities and our commitment in helping to preserve marine life on the high seas."
 
WWL will be providing an integrated total logistics solution for the race which starts in Alicante, Spain, in mid-October 2008. The 2008-09 event will be the 10th running of the race. The new route will involve at least 11 port stopovers and will take almost 10 months before its finish in the Baltic after stopovers in South America, Boston and Galway.