In the past, shipping predominantly involved shore-to-shore trade. Today, shipping is being integrated into the public domain through processing, logistics and transport chains, as well as trade, capital markets, policy making and legislation. However, competition between different transport modes remain and the shipping industry increasingly carry the socio-economic costs compared to other transport modes, whilst the industry is losing its competitive edge.
Shipping is part of an integrated transport system that supports efficient logistics. The demand for innovation from current stakeholders is high, whilst giving them the chance to streamline the industry and find new business.
The scope for new stakeholders, with new ideas and technology, is the potential to support as well as challenge existing stakeholders to take advantage of the potential of current information technology.
- New and improved means of handling the flow of door-to-door freight. New roles, business models and support systems to streamline the handling of goods, money and information.
- Enhanced synchronisation, planning and communication to facilitate speed reduction at sea whilst maintaining profitability and satisfied customers.
- Expertise and methods to analyse the effect any changes to legislation and support has on logistics and commercial interests.
- The role of shipping in national and local transport.
Shipping is essential for globalisation and prosperity.