Image: Mr. Igor Alves
In an industry as dynamic as maritime logistics, leaders who can adapt and innovate are invaluable. One such leader is Igor Alves, HUB Transport & Logistics Manager for Hitachi Energy in the USA. With over 15 years of experience in logistics and supply chain management, Alves has held various strategic roles across the globe, including Latin America, the Middle East, and North America. His career spans positions at ABB and Hitachi Energy, where he has excelled in heavy lift transport, supplier negotiations, and implementing transport control towers for large-scale projects.
Alves’ experience places him at the forefront of navigating today’s maritime challenges, shaped by geopolitical tensions and environmental pressures.
Rising Geopolitical Tensions and Environmental Challenges
“The maritime industry has always been complex,” Alves explains. “But today, it demands constant monitoring of external factors.” Recent disruptions, such as the U.S. port strikes and Hurricane Milton, demonstrate how fragile maritime stability has become. “Just a few years ago, maritime was the most reliable link in the supply chain. That’s no longer a given.”
This shift means breakbulk shippers must adopt more agile strategies, balancing risks and responding swiftly to disruptions.
The Power of Collaboration
In Alves’ view, overcoming these challenges requires close collaboration between forwarders, shippers, and logistics teams. “Holistic solutions are only possible when all stakeholders align their goals and expertise,” he emphasizes. Such collaboration fosters innovative strategies that address multiple facets of the supply chain, from cost optimization to risk mitigation.
Breaking Down Barriers
Traditional practices in the breakbulk sector, such as awarding contracts based solely on the lowest bid, often backfire in today’s volatile environment. “We’ve seen how rigid approaches slow down decision-making and limit flexibility,” Alves notes. “Recent crises—whether the Suez Canal blockage or pandemic-related disruptions—have shown the need for more dynamic solutions.” Removing these barriers allows companies to adapt quickly and execute projects successfully under challenging conditions.
Lessons from the Field: Reactor Transport from India to the U.S.
One standout project for Alves was the transport of 16 oversized reactors from India to New Jersey for a wind farm. “The project had everything: tight schedules, budget constraints, and high risks of equipment damage,” Alves recalls. Unexpected challenges arose, such as changes in delivery locations and rising freight costs due to the Red Sea crisis.
Despite these hurdles, the project succeeded, thanks to meticulous planning and cross-departmental collaboration. “It highlighted a core lesson in logistics: managing what you can control creates the capacity to handle the unexpected,” Alves reflects.
Communication as a Key Driver
Alves underscores the importance of efficient communication in complex logistics projects. “Many projects succeed because of transparent information sharing among all stakeholders,” he says. “When everyone—customers, sales, engineers—understands the logistics challenges, decision-making becomes faster and more effective.”
Sustainability: A New Benchmark
Sustainability is becoming a non-negotiable factor in logistics, Alves points out. “At Hitachi Energy, we prioritize reducing carbon emissions in our supply chain. Providers that can demonstrate sustainable practices have a competitive edge—but soon, this will be a baseline requirement.”
Embracing Innovation
Technology is another game-changer in the maritime sector. Alves highlights the role of AI and digital tools in optimizing logistics processes. “We’re seeing solutions that streamline everything from internal communication to real-time cost tracking,” he says. These innovations are particularly impactful for multimodal logistics, where efficiency and precision are critical.
Industry Events: A Platform for Growth
Alves believes industry events play a vital role in fostering collaboration and driving innovation. “These events are more than networking opportunities. They’re platforms to exchange ideas, showcase solutions, and build stronger partnerships,” he states.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
To remain competitive, Hitachi Energy has embraced proactive strategies under Alves’ leadership. The company hosts supplier days to exchange insights and actively participates in key industry events like AntwerpXL and Breakbulk Americas. “Staying engaged with industry trends and partner innovations keeps us ahead,” Alves concludes.
Final Thoughts
As the maritime industry continues to evolve, leaders like Igor Alves are setting the standard for innovation and resilience. His expertise underscores the importance of collaboration, communication, and adaptability in navigating today’s complex logistics landscape.
By Robertha McDonald, Senior Editor, Breakbulk News.
