There is a worry that a global recession is on the way. The rise of populist governments, Brexit and the US-China spat are all likely to encourage a move away from a global free trade paradigm. If the US-China dispute escalates, it could lead to trade pessimism which, in turn, would lead to lower investment and lower growth. Slowing economic growth massively hikes the odds of a recession; something the breakbulk sector would have to navigate carefully.
IMO 2020 is an added challenge that the breakbulk sector will have to consider next year. Will there be enough supply overall of low sulphur fuel and will it be readily available at fuelling ports? Will limited supplies lead to elevated prices? While there will be increased shipping costs, I do have faith that the market will find a way to fill the demand. And while prices are likely to hike in response to the demand, I also have faith that as supply and new technologies come into pay the market will eventually find balance.
We operate out of Japan, so we will be keeping a keen eye on potential European Union tariffs on Japanese products in the name of trade protectionism.
Any information put out by the Institute of Export and International Trade and the newsletters’ of fellow shipping companies.
Yes, the Institute of Export and International UK and the Society of Motor Manufactures & Traders (SMMT).
I was really impressed with the fact that over 100 exhibitors attended, many of whom were major industry names. In addition, I was fascinated to visit the stands of breakbulk’s less well established but extremely innovative companies. The event’s Innovation Start-Up Zone did a great job of showcasing new technologies set to revolutionise the industry.
Antwerp XL Connect, the event’s one-to-one networking platform, proved very helpful. It allowed me to schedule meetings with representatives from logistics companies and develop new business partnerships. The technology helped me make the best use of my time at the event.
I also met with representatives from the Port of Antwerp. I have to say, having the event located in the Europe’s leading breakbulk port was ideal.
The show floor was a hive of activity, with all sorts of companies from across the breakbulk, maritime and project cargo industries showcasing their latest developments. Antwerp XL exposed me to a supply base that wouldn’t have been as accessible anywhere else.
It is clear that technological innovations will improve and streamline freight transport services moving forward. Advancements like the blockchain will play a big role in shaping the future of the sector. I learned how major carriers are already trialling blockchain solutions. This convinced me that the implementation of technologies is essential in terms of delivering cost-efficient sourcing and supply chain solutions.
Antwerp XL really had its eye on the future of breakbulk, with discussions centred around digitalisation in particular capturing my attention. I was excited listening to the industry’s thought-leaders discuss how to future-proof the sector and how to transform operations through digital strategies. I learned so much about the latest software solutions, data services and cloud technologies that have been developed to enhance distribution networks.
The digitalisation of customs procedures with the advent of paperless operations was another valuable area to me, as improvements to general supply chain visibility will be of direct benefit to Sumitomo Corporation Europe Ltd.
Very well. With so many key figureheads within the breakbulk industry present, we were able to meet potential clients and identify opportunities for partnership. Right now, the breakbulk sector is in a real state of flux. It was really great to network with like-minded professionals and discuss industry trends and market conditions.
I would like to see the topics of IMO 2020, the environment, technology and digitalisation, Brexit and global trade protectionism widely discussed.
The event allowed me to build a new network of professional breakbulk contacts. This opened up several new business opportunities that wouldn’t have come my way if I hadn’t attended.
