While I thought about what I should write about this voice from the industry article, I could only wonder whether we are currently facing the most difficult times ever in the shipping and logistical services industry, and the international supports chains that support it.
The tangible impact of global geopolitical issues-such as conflicts in the Red Sea and Ukraine-despite the presence of bottlenecks side by side and increasing number of harsh weather events, has a significant impact on the industry across all the supply conditions and chains that face increasing pressure.
Added to this is the slightly concrete effects and opportunities associated with issues such as the environment, sustainability, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and the number in operations and solutions. All at the level of the agenda of companies that manage a lot of international trade in the world.
Many ask whether the era of unbridled globalization has ended, at the present time, and what will be the impact on the shipping industry. The main economic blocs of the European Union, the United States of America and China are participating in a commercial conflict, and it is almost impossible to predict under President Trump. The new tariff barriers are set, only to reset it, which leads to more economic turmoil.
In all regions, people and governments again are patriotic over international solutions. There is a talk about a shift in production and competition between technological development sites, which affects the labor markets and social structures. This reduces the ability to predict and reliably ensure the smooth development of the globalization process.
The acquisitions and merger by the large companies from the inside and outside it increases the concentration of the shipping scene and the logistical services of companies, leaving many medium -sized and smaller companies thinking about how to confirm themselves.
All of the above, and more, will form our industry today and in the future. The situation brings an unprecedented level of inability to predict, volatility, and the need to adapt – not only for the manufacturing sectors, but especially for the logistical services industry.
Therefore, companies face challenges that put the highest demands for management in terms of preparation for learning and the desire for experience and courage.
The industry left wondering: How can the purchase of shipping remain strategic and future under these circumstances? Companies ask how they can be ready for everything that is imminent.
One of the good ways to prepare these changes is to attend major international conferences such as transportation and logistical services, engaging in the type of discussions that occur, and to become a little more knowledgeable about the current state of playing in redirecting shipping and major issues that affect the sector.
Recently, the Trade Association led by its first national conference in nearly two decades held. We are entitled to it not today – we are accelerating tomorrow, with the idea that we need to be as ready as possible to go forward.
The seminars focused on air conditions, the ocean environment, sustainability, and the advanced customs treatment environment have provided constantly important updates and helped delegates prepare for future developments in these main areas.
A well-reservation session witnessed insurance experts’ attempt to settle the continuous debate surrounding logistical insurance, while another, on cybersecurity, made a deep diving in best practices to secure sensitive data-which led to avoiding the threat of hostile discrimination.
Our conference provided valuable opportunities for professional development, and I hope it will become an annual event for those looking to stay at the top of the curve in a constantly advanced industry.
As a national commercial association, BIFA also exerts everything in its power to support our members through all the changes and challenges facing the shipping and logistical services industry.
We have activated our program from our regional meetings and added a set of policies that focus on sustainability issues in logistical services. April witnessed the launch of a new advisory body to focus on the impact of the massive redevelopment planned for the shipping possession at Heathrow Airport and its associated shipping management systems.
While the industry is struggling for employment and obtaining the current generation Z – and the next generation, the alpha generation – interested in a profession in logistical services, we have made the ability to train employees as much as possible.
It is clear that the shipping industry still faces many uncertainty. The other part of this phrase used a lot is: Knowing how to live with insecurity is the only security.
Only by continuing our collective dialogue, we can hope to overcome uncertainty and provide a safe future for the shipping and logistical services.
