Update and Analysis of The Global Seafreight Market This Update and Analysis of the Global Seafreight Market is exclusively for DSV Air & Sea and made by Lars Jensen CEO and partner in Vespucci Maritime. Lars Jensen has 19 years of experience in the shipping industry and has for the last 10 years worked as an independent market analyst. December 3, 2021 Freight forwarding towards 2030 Even though supply chains are currently in disarray and are unlikely to revert to normal in the short term, it is still prudent also to contemplate where the industry is heading in the long term. A very simplistic view of the market would be that the shipping lines provide ocean transportation from port A to port B on behalf of the cargo owners. In between these two parties, we find the freight forwarders acting on behalf of cargo owners to arrange ocean transportation. And yes, there are many different types and definitions when it comes to freight forwarders, NVOCCs, logistics providers, consolidators etc. However, they will simply be described as 'freight forwarders' in the following. The reason for this generalisation is to explore the simple question: Is there a future for freight forwarders? I am well aware that that asking such a question might seem odd in a publication issued by, well, a freight forwarder. However, the market turmoil is likely to cause most cargo owners to contemplate their long term supply chain strategy and, in such a process, it is important to have a good sense of what is coming down the line. In this context, the pandemic is not overly relevant. It merely serves to accelerate a development which was already underway. A key element to be keenly aware of is the long term impact of the digitalisation of the shipping industry. At present, this revolves around individual elements such as automated bookings and documentation, online procurement of freight, predictive tracking capabilities and electronic bills of lading. Different carriers and forwarders are clearly at different levels of maturity in this regard.
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