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From Africa to Asia – Four Stops in One Shipment? The Aid & Relief Team Delivers!
The UN’s Mission MINUSMA peacekeeping mission in Mali, established in 2013, recently concluded its operations. After the DB SCHENKER | aid·relief logistics team completed the transfer of contingent-owned equipment to African ports for the MINUSMA mission, the next challenge was clear: shipping the goods back to their owners in Cambodia and China.
Quick Excursion: What was MINUSMA?
Established in April 2013, MINUSMA, a United Nations organization and stabilization mission, endeavored to bring peace and a stable living environment to the people of Mali. Empowered by a strong mandate, MINUSMA operated with the authority to employ all essential measures to achieve its goals of keeping peace within Mali. These included the safeguarding of civilians, humanitarian personnel, and human rights defenders facing imminent threats of physical violence. The MINUSMA mission stood as a vital commitment to ensuring the well-being of the Malian population and contributing to the broader goals of regional stability, peace, and prosperity.
But how can DB SCHENKER | aid·relief logistics transport equipment out of Mali?
Some might say that returning equipment after a peacekeeping mission is an easy task! But when you look a bit closer, "simple" is not the first word that comes to mind when considering the logistical journey. A truly complex logistics operation is involved, and leaving equipment in the wrong hands is not an option. Faced with this challenge – coordinating the return of equipment stored across various locations, including Dakar, Senegal, and Lomé, Togo, the DB SCHENKER Aid & Relief logistics team stepped up. Through seamless planning, DB SCHENKER demonstrated its dedication to supporting this global humanitarian operation.
How did DB SCHENKER contribute to this withdrawal?
For three months, the DB SCHENKER Aid & Relief logistics team successfully managed the transport of Cambodia and Chinese-owned equipment from Dakar and Lomé ports. To accomplish this, DB SCHENKER chartered a vessel to handle 129 units, including 45 TEUs, 74 vehicles, and 10 trailers, with stops at Dakar, Lomé, Sihanoukville, and Dalian ports. This complex operation required close collaboration between origin partners, DB SCHENKER colleagues at the destination, and the vessel broker. Every detail, from loading and securing the cargo to navigating international waters and customs regulations, required precise timing and communication.
Upon the vessel’s arrival in Dalian, the cargo was carefully sorted and prepared for its final journey to the designated recipients. This last step ensured that each piece of equipment reached its rightful owner, completing a complex logistical chain that spanned continents.
“We are very proud of this UN shipment from Africa involving our partners in Africa and our colleagues in Asia. It has been a wonderful opportunity to work with four different countries in one shipment for such sensitive cargo."
DB SCHENKER understands that logistics is more than just transporting goods. Even after a peacekeeping mission concludes, the work of logistics experts continues, ensuring a smooth transition and the responsible return of vital resources. It is about enabling critical operations and ultimately making a positive impact on the world.