Government & Defence Logistics

Our government and defence logistics experts handle complex logistics for national defence forces and military industries in conflict areas worldwide

Transports and logistics for international Government & Defence missions

Transports to and from the world’s conflict areas require an experienced defence logistics provider. Through Blue Water’s dedicated project teams you will benefit from flexibility, technical know-how and detailed planning at any time.

Whether it is transport of equipment, human passengers or AOG shipments for an international mission, we can arrange a reliable solution for you by sea, road or air.

As an independent operator, we offer cost-effective government & defence logistics solutions through our close ties with all players in the air charter industry.

With more than 50 years of experience in the transport industry, we guarantee that all steps, from planning the transport to execution, will be carried out as planned - no matter the destination or type of cargo.

Visibility and safety all the way

Transport for the Government & Defence sector requires the highest standards of safety, precision and reliability. This sector involves the transport of sensitive and often classified materials, including military equipment, personnel and critical supplies.

Each operation must be meticulously planned and executed to ensure timely and safe delivery, often in challenging conditions. Adherence to strict regulations and safety protocols is crucial.

Using advanced tracking and logistics management technology ensures real-time visibility and control over the transport process. Collaborating with trusted partners and leveraging specialised expertise ensures each mission is completed efficiently.

Our dedicated teams understand the unique requirements of government and defence logistics and provide tailored solutions that align with strategic objectives and national security priorities.

Our areas of expertise in government and defence logistics

Foreign military sales

With ongoing defence contracts, we understand the complexities of the FMS system. As an ITAR approved freight forwarder, we handle commodities including licence management and global transit requirements.

Aircraft on ground

Expenses due to an AOG can be high. But having us as your partner, there is no need to worry. We act swiftly and deliver whatever you need, when you need it anywhere in the world.

We are always close by

With more than 80 global offices, we are located near the hot spots. Being close to our clients and their missions is also vital for fulfilling our goal of being a reliable partner regardless of the location.

Mission area expertise

Planning every detail of a transport is essential in mission areas where challenging infrastructure and instability are influential factors. Preparing each step, studying the area and analysing the risks are vital factors for ensuring the safety all through the transport.

A designated Blue Water point-of-contact will be appointed for each project to make communication easier for our clients. Your appointed contact is on hand of the transport every step of the way.

We move with geographical expertise

Africa

Over the past decade, Blue Water has arranged cargo transports to a wide range of African countries, and we have staff deployed on short or long-term contracts for management of projects.

North America

Located in one of North America's most important logistics hubs, Blue Water Miami has a strong team dedicated to handling any defence logistics assignment.

Middle East

Since its establishment in 1991, Blue Water Middle East has created a reputable organisation with specialised employees to efficiently find solutions for our customers.

North Atlantic

Over the years, Blue Water has handled several contracts for national defence and air forces to and from the North Atlantic countries of Greenland, Iceland and the Faroes.

Handling of dangerous and sensitive goods

Handling dangerous goods requires precision, expertise and strict compliance with international safety standards. At Blue Water, we make sure your dangerous goods are transported safely and efficiently. We offer dangerous goods transport, as well as secure storage and document handling.

Our experienced team specialises in handling everything from chemicals and fuels to explosive materials, and we ensure compliance with all legal requirements and regulations. With extensive training and advanced technologies, we offer tailored solutions that minimise risk and maximise safety. With Blue Water, you can trust that your dangerous goods are handled with the highest level of professionalism and care.

Reach out to your nearest Blue Water contact or write to us for further dialogue.

Your local customs specialist

Avoid delays of your shipments, in the customs clearance process. We handle all procedures and customs documentation for you in EU, USA and the rest of the world. You will benefit from our worldwide network and local specialists having extensive knowledge of local rules and regulations for both import and export shipments by air, sea and road.

We will supply all information in due time for the customs authorities – you do not have to worry about this and you will receive you shipment as planned.

Integrated IT systems

Our IT systems are customised to fit specific markets and serve as a tool for handling and monitoring every single step of the transport. You can book your transports online and have a full overview of the cargo - we take care of the rest.

Our systems include:

Track & Trace
PO Management
Warehousing
Supply base
POB system

Reference clients

Directly or through trusted business partners, Blue Water has handled government and defence logistics assignments for a wide range of NATO member states as well as for private contractors to governments and NGOs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Government and defence logistics is the planning, transportation, storage and management of equipment, supplies and personnel in support of government agencies, armed forces and defence contractors.

It covers the movement of a wide range of cargo, including military vehicles, aircraft and ship components, communications equipment, humanitarian aid, spare parts, ammunition and other mission-critical supplies. Defence logistics also includes inventory management, warehousing, customs clearance and distribution across domestic and international supply chains.

Because government and defence operations often involve sensitive cargo, strict regulations and demanding timelines, logistics solutions must prioritise security, compliance and operational reliability.

Defence organisations rely on a broad range of logistics services to support routine operations, training exercises, humanitarian missions and equipment deployment.

Common services include:

Sea, air, road and rail freight
Project logistics for oversized and heavy equipment
Secure transportation of sensitive or controlled cargo
Customs clearance and trade compliance
Warehousing and inventory management
Spare parts distribution and supply chain support
Time-critical transport for operational requirements
Heavy lifting and specialised cargo handling
Port agency and vessel support services
Freight forwarding and multimodal transport coordination.

The combination of services depends on the type of equipment, destination, operational requirements and applicable national and international regulations.

Military equipment is transported using specialised logistics procedures designed to protect the cargo while meeting safety, security and regulatory requirements.

The transport method depends on the equipment's size, weight, destination and urgency. Military vehicles, helicopters, aircraft components and other oversized equipment may be moved by heavy-haul road transport, rail, sea freight or military and commercial aircraft.

Safe transport typically involves:

Route planning and transport engineering
Secure loading, lashing and cargo securing
Use of specialised trailers, lifting equipment and heavy-lift vessels where required
Compliance with dangerous goods regulations for hazardous materials
Customs and export control documentation
Continuous shipment monitoring and risk management throughout the journey.

Careful planning helps ensure equipment arrives safely while maintaining operational readiness.

Government and defence logistics involves managing complex supply chains while meeting strict operational, security and regulatory requirements.

Common challenges include:

Transporting oversized, heavy or sensitive equipment
Meeting strict delivery schedules for operational readiness
Complying with export controls, customs regulations and international trade requirements
Maintaining cargo security throughout the transport process
Coordinating multiple transport modes across international supply chains
Operating in remote, challenging or rapidly changing environments
Managing supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical events, infrastructure limitations or changing operational priorities.

Successful defence logistics depends on careful planning, effective risk management and close coordination between government agencies, defence contractors and logistics providers.

Logistics providers like Blue Water support defence supply chains by coordinating the movement, storage and distribution of equipment and supplies throughout their lifecycle.

This support may include international freight forwarding, customs clearance, warehousing, inventory management, transport planning and on-site delivery. Logistics providers also coordinate multimodal transport, heavy-lift operations and time-critical shipments to ensure equipment reaches the right location when required.

In addition to transportation, logistics providers help manage documentation, regulatory compliance and supply chain visibility, enabling defence organisations to maintain operational readiness while reducing the risk of delays or disruptions. Flexible logistics planning is particularly important when supporting deployments, maintenance programmes, training exercises and humanitarian operations.

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Henrik Damgaard

Head of Government & Defence Logistics