Lighting the Path: CEVA Logistics Fuels the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay

The Olympic Torch Relay for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games has officially begun

5/13/2024

Alongside CMA CGM, CEVA Logistics is the Official Partner in Logistics Solutions of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. In addition, the companies are also Technical Partners for the Paris 2024 Torch Relays, meaning the CEVA team’s support begins in the starting blocks, with the logistics of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relay.

The CEVA Logistics role lies at the heart of the success of the Paris 2024 Games, requiring strong logistical expertise and a commitment to a sustainable and inclusive global event. The logistics behind one of the largest global events is complex and full of hurdles. To kick-off the run-up to Paris 2024, learn more here about what it takes to support the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relay.

Always one step ahead

CEVA’s primary role in the torch relay is transporting supplies to several destinations on the torch’s tour, including gas bottles, butane, propane, paraffin, lanterns, torches, burners and apparel items, like uniforms for the torch bearers. On March 17, the CEVA Logistics crew initiated the first phase of the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay by delivering these necessary goods via ground transportation from a warehouse in Reims, France, to Greece ahead of the start of the torch relay. Planning and staying several steps ahead of the relay route is key—always delivering supplies to destinations before the arrival of the torch to ensure the flame continues burning and the build-up to the Olympic Games celebration can continue.

The next step in the journey involves CEVA’s Ocean Freight team, who receives the cargo at its warehouses and loads them into CMA CGM shipping containers, preparing them for overseas journeys to the French territories of Réunion, French Guiana, Tahiti, Martinique and Guadeloupe. Crucial planning ensures the cargo preparation and timing of each container aligns with the local torch relay celebrations and the arrival of the torch itself at each destination.

Multiple teams from CEVA Logistics are involved in the year-long planning process for these special shipments, including experts in freight scheduling, dangerous goods compliance, warehouse operations, sea freight, and customs clearance. Geopolitical factors play a role in logistical planning, requiring CEVA to be innovative and agile . For example, due to unrest in the Middle East, shipping lanes through the Suez Canal are down by more than 60 percent, so meticulous planning is crucial for these shipments to arrive on time.

Responding to the unexpected

Without a doubt, the biggest challenge in the logistics behind supporting the Paris 2024 torch relay is the transportation of items considered as “dangerous goods,” or potentially hazardous materials, including the propane, paraffin, butane and gas required for the Olympic torch. Many safety rules and regulations govern transporting these kinds of items, and CEVA works together with departure and destination ports to ensure safety and compliance along the routes and in its handling procedures.

While the cargo volume for each offshore destination could fit into a standard 40-foot container, CEVA splits each ocean freight shipment into two 20-foot shipping containers—separating goods that cannot be transported together in the same container due to safety concerns. This solution not only maintains safety compliance but also allows for more efficient return shipping. After each offshore Olympic torch relay celebration, a majority of the goods are donated locally, and CEVA ships back only one of the two shipping containers to mainland France. This solution reduces the weight and overall carbon footprint of the shipment. Sustainability is at the forefront of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and CEVA is proud to support and guide this important initiative to deliver more sustainable Paris 2024 Games, mindful of its operations’ environmental impact.

Fueling the Olympic Spirit

The CEVA team, together with the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, takes pride in supporting the behind-the-scenes logistics to kick off the world’s greatest sporting event. With careful planning, innovative solutions and a wealth of industry expertise, CEVA looks forward to helping the Olympic torch burn bright throughout its journey in preparation for the Paris 2024 Games.