Global logistics provider Rhenus has successfully delivered South Africa’s first ScreenX cinema, marking a milestone in both entertainment technology and project logistics execution in the region.
The ScreenX auditorium, launched at Nu Metro’s Gateway Mall in Durban, introduces a 270-degree panoramic viewing experience that extends visuals beyond the main screen onto side walls, offering moviegoers an immersive cinematic environment.
Behind this innovation was a highly coordinated international supply chain effort led by Rhenus.
A multi-country logistics challenge
The project required the transportation of nearly 30 tonnes of high-value and sensitive equipment sourced from five countries, including the United States, China, South Korea, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
The shipment included advanced projection systems, specialised speakers, oversized fixtures, and other proprietary cinema components designed specifically for ScreenX installations.
Rhenus managed the end-to-end logistics process, covering international freight forwarding, customs clearance, warehousing, and last-mile delivery.
The company also coordinated on-site deliveries within a tight construction schedule, ensuring that the technology arrived in sequence and without damage.
Precision handling for high-value technology
ScreenX cinema technology is highly sensitive, requiring precise handling, climate-controlled transport, and strict timing to align with cinema construction phases.
According to industry experts, transporting such equipment involves significant risk, as any damage or delay can disrupt installation timelines and lead to substantial cost overruns.
Rhenus leveraged its project cargo expertise and local South African logistics infrastructure to mitigate these risks.
The company worked closely with cinema developers, contractors, and international suppliers to ensure smooth coordination across borders.
A milestone for Africa’s entertainment and logistics sectors
The successful delivery of the ScreenX cinema highlights Africa’s growing appetite for premium entertainment experiences and underscores the role of advanced logistics in enabling technology-driven infrastructure projects.
Beyond entertainment, the project demonstrates how global logistics providers are expanding into specialised sectors such as media technology, smart buildings, and experiential venues—areas traditionally outside conventional industrial logistics.
Implications for future project logistics in Africa
As African markets continue to adopt advanced digital and immersive technologies, logistics providers will increasingly need capabilities in handling sensitive, high-tech cargo.
The ScreenX project sets a precedent for future deployments of cutting-edge entertainment systems, digital infrastructure, and smart venue technologies across the continent.
For Rhenus, the successful execution strengthens its position as a key project logistics partner in Africa, capable of managing complex multi-origin shipments and last-mile delivery in challenging environments.
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