AIR CARG O WEEK


SPECIAL CARGO


“In fine art logistics and museum artefact shipping, every crate must be engineered for the specific object it holds.”


[International Exhibition Logistics Association], ICEFAT [International Convention of Exhibition and Fine Art Transporters]) aggregate dozens to over a hundred accredited members worldwide, showing the market’s breadth even if an exact total of “forwarders offering art-specialist airfreight” is fluid and hard to pin to a single number. In short: museum air logistics is specialised, costly and risk-


heavy but professionally mature - a multi-billion-dollar niche served by a few dozen global specialists and many more regional players co-ordinated through industry networks.


In the shadow of the Pharaohs Egham, UK-based EFM is one such company that handles special cargo relating to museum logistics. It was recently appointed by a major touring exhibition organiser to manage the complete logistics of one of the most challenging moves in the exhibition industry. The blockbuster touring exhibition from Egypt, Ramses & the


Gold of the Pharaohs exhibition, consists of priceless artefacts dated 3,500 years ago. A multisensory exhibition showcasing 181 objects exploring the life and accomplishments of Ramses II which opened in Tokyo, Japan in the Spring of 2025. Many of the artefacts have never before been seen outside of Egypt. Also known as Ramses the Great, he was one of the most prolific builders ancient Egypt. Responsible for the extraordinary temples at Abu Simbel in the south, to the Ramesseum in Luxor and Pi-Ramesses in the Nile Delta to the North. Ramses left his mark on buildings across Egypt and Nubia like no other Egyptian monarch. Besides exceptional artefacts associated the king himself,


including exquisite golden treasures from his tomb, the exhibition also includes sarcophaguses, animal mummies,


jewellery, royal


masks, amulets of other individuals, such as his mother, his wife. This collection of extraordinary objects is a testament to the workmanship of ancient Egyptian craftspeople. Additionally, the exhibition included around 25 truckloads of scenic set-works and merchandising.


From Europe to Asia EFM had just four weeks to move the whole exhibition on the final legs of its world tour from Cologne, Germany, to Tokyo, Japan, for reinstallation; no easy feat. Artefacts, set-works and merchandise were split into three


SUPPLEMENT


major operations. Moving priceless artefacts required security, and external armed security was hired to accompany every leg of the artefact move. The artefacts were moved by a dedicated chartered aircraft and


accompanied by armed convoys at each point. EFM also provided full courier assistance to the Ministry of Culture representative. The end-to-end approach to care allowed EFM to have 30


people monitoring the move, with everything being recorded. The company also shipped 25 truck equivalent loads of Set-works and merchandise by air to meet the deadline. EFM found an extremely cost-effective option while also flying to the airport to build airline pallets to ensure items didn’t go missing or get damaged. EFM continue to retain the tour and have covered Houston – San


Francisco, San Francisco – Paris, Paris – Sydney, Sydney – Cologne and Japan with London upcoming in 2026.


Packing is the foundation of the entire shipping strategy According to EFM, in fine art logistics and museum artefact shipping, every crate must be engineered for the specific object it holds, taking into account fragility, materials, climate sensitivity and travel distance. The packing plan must hold up under customs inspections, climate changes, vibration, and sometimes, weeks in transit. Secure transit begins with the crate. Poor packing undermines


even the best logistics partners and climate controls, so every shipment starts with an assessment of


the object’s material,


condition, size, and route. Textiles, bronzes and paintings all demand different solutions. EFM collaborates with registrars and conservators to design


bespoke cases, integrating vibration absorption, thermal insulation, humidity control, and modular supports. Each layer of packing - foams, acid-free wraps, sensors and indicators - has a defined role in protection, monitoring, or stabilisation. Fit tests, loading trials, and destination unpacking reviews ensure the solution works in practice; fragile or high-value pieces often require mock-ups for approval. Close co-ordination is essential. Conservators and couriers help


define handling protocols and monitor crates through transfers and delivery. For fine art, the crate is both mobile environment and first defence. EFM’s integrated packing strategy safeguards works from departure to installation, says the company.


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