In the blockbuster Life of Pi, at Six Flags’ thrilling waterparks, and inside one of Europe’s largest aquariums, water takes center stage. Behind every ripple is Aquatic Development Group (ADG), the team responsible for designing, engineering, and constructing the complex aquatic systems that bring these environments to life.
For nearly a decade, ADG’s team has trusted Shaker to handle their highly specialized transportation. We spoke with Bruce Quay, COO and partner at ADG, about the complexities of the aquatics industry and the value of an expert logistics partner.
ADG: Making Waves Since the 1950s
Beginning as a commercial pool business in the ‘50s, ADG has blossomed into a premier waterpark manufacturer and global leader in wave system technology. From movie sets to international waterparks and everything in between, ADG designs, engineers, and builds large scale aquatic systems and projects that leave a lasting impression.
“We’re a specialty manufacturer,” said Bruce. “We make large pieces designed to work together in an intricate system that combines fun and functional wave configurations.”
ADG pays careful attention to every link in the supply chain to effectively manage its business. That starts at the front end with inputs like quality raw materials, such as sheet metal and
industrial tubing which are often produced overseas. ADG contends with shifting tariffs and long import timelines on a daily basis.
When designing water features, ADG thinks not only about the finished product, but how to get it to its destination. Customized packaging is often required and incorporated into the design and manufacturing process early on. After manufacturing at ADG’s facility in Upstate New York, each system component is specially packed to protect it from damage during shipping.
Once a water ride or system is packed and ready to go, they ship in massive ocean containers to ADG’s clients at parks and attractions around the world. ADG partners with Shaker to move some of these intricate final products to their exciting destinations.
Inventive International Logistics in a Splash
ADG designed and manufactured a wave system for a client at one of Europe’s largest indoor aquariums. The wave system, designed to create a realistic surface effect on the water and mimic natural ocean conditions, was set to ship in an ocean container from the U.S. to Portugal, where it would be used in an aquarium exhibit.
As Shaker was reviewing final plans, the team realized that the steamship wouldn’t arrive at the delivery port in time for the exhibit opening. Shaker pivoted to a faster option: air freight.
“It can take weeks for an ocean container vessel to sail from one port to another, and it may stop at multiple ports before it reaches the freight’s destination,” said Jenny Valls de los Reyes, Shaker’s international logistics specialist. “Air freight gives shippers more control over the transit timeline, and we wanted to make sure ADG got to their customer in time.”
Acting quickly, Shaker’s team recovered the freight from the ocean container before it loaded onto the steamship and contracted a trusted carrier partner to deliver it to a repackaging facility near the port. On ADG’s behalf, Shaker had the freight re-crated for safe air travel, ensuring the packaging would be done in time to catch the next flight to Portugal.
But at the airline, ADG’s freight was rejected for a damaged container. Even with careful planning and oversight things can go awry when freight changes hands, and there was a puncture from a forklift in one of the crates.
After an inspection and confirming with ADG that the piece inside was still in pristine condition, Shaker immediately brought the freight back to the packaging facility where the crate was repaired, then shuttled back to the airport. This time, the freight was accepted and loaded onto the plane, ready to fly over the Atlantic Ocean to Portugal.
Upon landing, Shaker worked with one of our local agents to push the cargo through customs, making an early final delivery to ADG’s client.
Arming Shippers with Industry Knowledge
On top of providing reliable service for time-sensitive moves, Shaker’s team always works to educate shippers about the complexities of international logistics. Bruce stated that as ADG expands, its clients have more questions about risk and liability during overseas shipping.
Jenny briefed the ADG team on the complex rules, known as INCOTERMS, that define when liability and risk transfers from the exporter to the importer, arming their team with the expert knowledge needed to serve their international clients.
“Shaker’s done well with explaining liability and risk management strategies for us as a frequent international shipper,” Bruce said. “When one container of components is valued at up to a quarter of a million dollars, it comforts me to know where we’re liable for damages, and how we can be covered.”
Why Having Expert Logistics Partners Helps ADG Grow
Hard at work pioneering the inland surf industry and expanding rapidly into international markets, Bruce and the ADG team don’t have time to worry about transportation.
“We’re not in the transportation business; we’re in the business of making fun products. But transportation is a big part of what we do, so we have partners like Shaker, who we can trust to handle the transportation for us while we focus on doing what we do best,” said Bruce.
ADG continues to be on the forefront of innovative wave systems, most recently releasing a compact inland surf park design called “The Break” that creates a space for anyone to learn how to surf, even hundreds of miles from the coast.
Shaker looks forward to supporting ADG’s team with expertise and reliable transportation as they lead exciting new industries across global markets. Reach out to our team for logistics services that will help your business grow.