It took 104 TEUs (total equivalent unit of twenty-foot containers) and a fleet of side loader trucks executing a turnaround in only three nights for GAC Logistics to move the entire set of Cirque du Soleil’s highly anticipated performance in Dubai.
Promising a month-long visual and sensory treat for the Middle East audience, Cirque du Soleil will be performing Quidam at the Ibn Battuta mall in conjunction with the Dubai Shopping Festival as one of the most entertaining highlights of the annual event.
Sheer volume and critical timescales
Describing the 1040 tonnes of equipment moved from the States as “massive volume for a live show”, Matthew Diggle, Business Manager – Freight Services of GAC Dubai, says: “The logistics operation demands precision in planning and execution to ensure all the cargo – from the infrastructure for the tent, staging, sound systems to costumes and props – arrive safely at the venue as scheduled.”
To move the four marquees for the main tent, four open-top containers had to be utilised, and outsized equipments were transported in high cube containers. At the same time specialised expertise and tools were needed to handle the custom-made costumes and props which are one-of-its-kind and often very fragile.
“The key challenge was to synchronise the delivery of every single piece of equipment to the venue which could only accommodate one trailer,” explains Ronald Dayanand, Operations Manager – Projects, GAC Dubai, who oversees the entire operation. Meticulous planning was made to establish a temporary parking site nearby; thereafter multiple movements were made to the actual event venue.
“We also have to work within the constraints placed by Dubai road restrictions for truck movements and traffic congestions, as well as the limited time window given by the shopping mall so as not to affect the normal business.”
Specialist in niche logistics field
“Quidam is a major show held in the glare of the region’s publicity spotlight –there is absolutely no margin for error. GAC is a natural choice as the company has an established track record in handling over 95 percent of the entertainment logistics business in Dubai,” says Anne-Cecile Croucier from Rock-It Cargo, who partnered GAC in this transportation operation. “Our two companies have always worked well together to meet the needs of the live performance industry.”
While the show goes on through January, GAC is already making final checks to prepare for the next leg of Cirque du Soleil’s tour to Pusan, Korea, and the team will spring into immediate action once the curtain of the last performance falls.
PHOTO CAPTIONS :
1- Mr Steven Gills, Tour Project Manager from Cirque Du Soleil (Left) with Ronald Dayanand, Operations Manager , Projects, GAC Dubai.
2- GAC Logistics utilized four open-top containers to move the four marquees for the main tent and high-cube containers for other outsized cargo.
About GAC Group
The GAC Group (GAC) is the world's largest independent shipping, logistics and marine services provider, with over 250 offices worldwide. Established in 1956, GAC's core business covers three key areas - shipping, logistics and marine services. The GAC reflects value for money, quality, continuity, innovation and global reach. GAC employs more than 7,000 worldwide. The GAC Group corporate head office is in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.
About GAC Logistics
GAC Logistics specialises in a full range of supply chain and logistics solutions. These include air and sea freight, warehousing and distribution, road transportation, project logistics, ship spares logistics, and international moving and courier services. GAC Logistics operates an integrated worldwide network, serving international manufacturers, distributors and retailers from the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), textiles, pharmaceutical, automotive, electronics, entertainment, as well as oil and gas industries.
