Logistics to play significant role during FIFA World Cup 2022: GWC CEO

Logistics will play a significant role during the FIFA World Cup 2022, said GWC Group CEO Ranjeev Menon and noted it is a “huge honour” for his company to play a key role in delivering the biggest sporting event in Qatar and the region’s history.

GWC, a premier, fully integrated logistics provider and a leader in supply chain solutions that caters to all industry verticals, is the first ‘Regional Supporter and Official Logistics Provider’ for the FIFA World Cup 2022.

“We will work very closely with FIFA, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 to implement and execute a broad spectrum of logistics services, both in the lead up to the tournament, during the event and after the final whistle,” Menon said in an interview with Gulf Times.

“Very simply, we will be involved in every part of operations, from venue logistics, broadcasting and cold chain logistics, to shipping, customs clearance, transport and warehousing, down to logistics operations of merchandise, souvenirs, and food and beverages.

“All details, large and small, will require end-to-end tracking and execution, from point of entry, to point of use and a highly co-ordinated reverse logistics solution. GWC will offer this full spectrum of services thanks to 3,800,000m² of integrated logistics infrastructure, a global reach through our extensive freight forwarding network, more than 1,200 specialist transportation vehicles offering last-mile solutions, best-in-class IT solutions, and a highly competent team of professionals.

“By drawing on our robust network of contacts throughout the world to deliver the logistics and supply chain requirements, we have every confidence that we will showcase to the world what Qatar is capable of delivering in the fields of sport, culture, tourism and beyond.”

Menon said, “Our highly developed logistics infrastructure and vast knowledge and experience prepared us for this undertaking, and we continue to develop and improve in order to ensure the successful realisation of yet another landmark event in Qatar’s exciting journey.”

Asked about the specific preparations GWC made for the world’s greatest sporting event, the Group CEO said, “In many ways, we have been preparing to support an event of this magnitude ever since we were established. Over the years, we have developed practical, hands-on experience through supporting the delivery of a range of high-profile sporting events, including the Asian Games, AFC Asian Cup and two editions of the last two editions of FIFA Club World CupTM. Every event provides us with unique challenges and lessons learned.

“When it comes to FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, we have broken down our services into six key areas: event logistics, customs brokerage, global freight forwarding, venue services, warehousing services, and reverse logistics. Thinking specifically about host country activities, our 19 logistics centres, which are spread strategically across Qatar will provide a complete spectrum of services and exclusive access to all tournament venues, whether they be stadiums or other sites, such as the international broadcast centre or Fan Festivals.

“Our end-to-end services, lean operating model and wide network of partnerships mean we are perfectly prepared to deliver whatever FIFA and the host nation requires in order to stage a successful tournament.”

Menon noted GWC’s “organisational values are also helping us” to prepare for the World Cup.

“We are committed to delivering first-class, innovative and sustainable solutions. In addition, we are always willing to adapt to changing circumstances. Our team are up to the challenge, when solutions are needed, we step up and deliver. One example of this would be during the recent FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020. This tournament was hosted during a global pandemic, something which added an extra layer of challenges to all our operations. We adapted quickly, collaborated closely with our stakeholders and assisted Qatar and FIFA stage a tournament with fans present that was considered a great success by the players, supporters and officials in attendance. We understand that situations especially on a global level are fluid and ever changing. That’s why we pride ourselves on being streamlined, adaptable and continuously prepared to offer fast resolutions whatever the challenge.”