At Breakbulk Europe 2024 in Rotterdam, industry leaders convened to tackle the most urgent issues facing global supply chains. The compelling panel session, titled “Capacity & Contingency Planning: Maintaining an Agile Supply Chain,” was moderated by Carsten Wendt, head of sales for high and heavy and breakbulk at Wallenius Wilhelmsen. The discussion featured insights from top experts on the evolving project landscape, shifting risk appetites, and changing customer expectations.
Carsten Wendt kicked off the session by highlighting the COVID-19 pandemic as a “turning point” that disrupted previously predictable supply chain systems. He pointed out ongoing challenges like equipment and labor shortages, capacity constraints, geopolitical disruptions, and fluctuating rates, comparing them to “little fires everywhere.”
Josefin Ahlgren-Spolander, head of industrial projects for Finland and Sweden at DHL Global Forwarding, identified the Ukraine war as a significant disruptor. Michael Shakesheff, group managing director of Casper Shipping Limited, emphasized the substantial impact of Brexit on supply chains. Robin Townley, business product owner at Maersk Project Logistics, noted that these disruptions extend beyond shipping, altering entire supply chain systems. The panelists collectively stressed the need for agility and flexibility to maintain uninterrupted global services.
The discussion then shifted to the evolving nature of risk and risk appetite. Shakesheff observed a dramatic shift in risk appetite over the past four to five years, a sentiment echoed by the other panelists. Townley elaborated on the complexity of managing risk, distinguishing between manageable risks and those to avoid, underscoring the importance of calculated risk-taking and mitigation.
Townley also emphasized the necessity of transparency and offering multiple options to manage customer expectations. As the session drew to a close, the panelists addressed emerging threats. Ahlgren-Spolander warned that panic poses the biggest risk, while Townley predicted significant geopolitical conflicts in the next five years.
Wendt wrapped up the session by underscoring the importance of agility and preparedness. He stressed the need for continuous adaptation, learning, and investment in supply chains to keep them robust amidst ever-evolving challenges.
Source: breakbulk
