Ocean Network
Global infrastructure comprising ports, vessels, and shipping lanes facilitates the movement of the vast majority of international trade. A maritime supply chain coordinates the flow of raw materials and finished products across the world’s oceans. It remains the most efficient method for transporting high-volume goods over long distances.
Port Interface
Congestion at major terminals can disrupt the entire maritime supply chain by delaying the berthing of ships and the movement of containers. Efficient stevedoring and intermodal connections to rail or road are necessary to maintain the velocity of the cargo. When a port faces labor strikes or equipment failure, the resulting backlog affects manufacturing schedules thousands of miles away.
Modern tracking technology provides real-time data on vessel locations to help shippers plan for these arrivals.
Environmental Regulation
Regulation of fuel emissions and ballast water treatment is changing the way carriers operate their fleets. To comply with international standards, the maritime supply chain is shifting toward liquefied natural gas or low-sulfur fuels to reduce the impact on the atmosphere. These changes often lead to higher operating costs which are passed on to the shipper through bunker adjustment factors.
The resilience of the network is tested by extreme weather events and geopolitical shifts that force ships to take longer routes around restricted zones.
