The Hellenic Shipping News reports a new threat on the 10-year sea freight horizon. Last year, the Global Maritime Issues Monitor declared the global economic crisis to be the sea freight’s biggest threat. This threat had the first rank. But this year it has a serious competitor: the pandemic. It was added as a risk to the joint Global Maritime Forum, Marsh and International Union of Marine Insurance report.
However, sea freight industry is still struggling with the disease. But research among senior marine shareholders has shown that horizon scanning is underway for the next pandemic. “There is a significant risk of another pandemic,” said Professor Ian Goldin. “Because we have not yet discovered and destroyed the causes of the current epidemic,” he said.
In this regard, Monitor worked with a ten-year horizon this year and focused on the pandemic. Respondents believe that this disease showed them the weaknesses of the sea freight. The inability to support the welfare of seafarers is one of them. Marcus Baker notes that the assessment of seafarers’ physical and mental health will be crucial to the sea freight horizon. He also said that there is a wide range of labor issues that can help develop resistance to the next epidemic. For example they are unable to join their families.
Respondents add that the report shows that learning from the pandemic is very important for the industry. They also believe that this disease is increasing the global economic crisis. 93% agree with this theory. This has caused the global economic crisis to rise from number ten to number two in the Likelihood rankings. In this regard, the global economic crisis has become a harsh “reality” from “likely”. This is also the third year in a row that they believe it can have the biggest impact on sea freight industry in the next ten years.
Climate risks
Other risks on maritime agenda include climate and environmental issues. Peter Stokes points out that the industry is unable to track the long-term threats of climate change. “It is very important to be vigilant,” he said.
Reduce carbon emissions ranks second in the impact ranking. Also, its impact is only slightly less than the economic crisis. In this regard, sea freight horizon needs a fundamental change in reducing the carbon footprint. This transition is a big challenge for the industry.
At the same time, everything is digital because of the pandemic. But there is also an sea freight flaw. They are not ready for artificial intelligence, cyber attacks and data theft. In this regard, the experts agree that improving the use of technology should be on the agenda. Because it can help a lot in productivity in different sea freight sectors.
Politics at play
In addition, the Geopolitical threats threat remains at risk. But the disease has moved it from “likely” to the harsh reality.
Overall, sea freight industry needs to understand how it can optimize its footprint in this challenging environment. This goal also entails a wide range of measures. Ship carriers may even need to create new routes. In addition, experts believe that improving the sea freight situation depends on all of us for a part of global progress. We must avoid geopolitical tensions. In this way, the world can unite in finding solutions to threats. In today’s crisis, world unity is the most important thing.
For more information, you can check the source: The Baltic Exchange.
sea freight horizon FAQ's
The article reports on the new threats facing the sea freight industry, with a focus on the impact of the pandemic, climate change, and geopolitical tensions. The article also highlights the need for the industry to adapt to these challenges by improving the welfare of seafarers, reducing carbon emissions, and embracing digital technology. Additionally, experts stress the importance of global unity in finding solutions to these threats.
The main threats to the sea freight industry discussed in the article include the pandemic, climate change, and geopolitical tensions. These threats have been identified as potential risks to the industry’s future growth and sustainability.
The pandemic has highlighted weaknesses in the sea freight value chain, including the inability to support the welfare of seafarers. It has also increased the likelihood of a future pandemic and exacerbated the global economic crisis.
Experts believe that technology can help improve productivity in different sectors of the sea freight industry, but there is a need for greater investment in digital infrastructure. Additionally, the industry needs to improve its readiness for artificial intelligence, cyber attacks, and data theft.
Experts stress the importance of global unity in finding solutions to the challenges facing the sea freight industry. They suggest that avoiding geopolitical tensions and working together towards common goals will be crucial in addressing these challenges.