Maritime and air transport management alumni (ITMMA, C-MAT - AMS) came together once again during an event about Global logistics integration: “I want it all, and I want it now”

There is no crisis that is not also a logistics crisis. In recent years, this sector has more than ever seen the need for adaptability and flexibility, resulting in an acceleration of measures and trends. In cooperation with the University of Antwerp’s Center for Maritime and Air Transport (C-MAT), AMS provides master programmes that help tomorrow’s leaders navigate the constantly shifting world of logistics. 

On September 30th the current AMS maritime and air transport management students, the ITMMA and the C-MATalumni were invited to a deep dive into what challenges logistics companies face today. With alumni events like these, AMS motivates current and former students to stay abreast of industry movements and share insights with each other.

Access the presentation of the event here

The logistics sector on the move

Nowadays, when we think of ‘crisis’ we think of the pandemic, but while Covid-19 has had an undeniable impact, the shipping market was already a turbulent one before 2020. Business integrations, merges and acquisitions have led to a concentrated playing field. “Today, a few global players control most of the market”, explained Theo Notteboom, Professor at the Faculty of Business and Economics. He kicked off the evening with an account of contemporary movements in the logistics sector, after which he invited alumnus Dr. Kateryna Grushevska (Trade Analyst at CMA CGM Group) to discuss future evolutions. 

Since the health crisis, there have been many more supply chain disruptions, the war in Ukraine being one of them. The potential of Ukraine becoming a logistic gateway to Europe had been the subject of Dr. Grushevska’s master thesis, but today’s outlook seems more complex: “The first priority after the war will be to rebuild infrastructural losses. In the long term, there is a chance of becoming a more international player, but the biggest role Ukraine will carry out in terms of transport and such will be to serve the local economy.”

Blurred lines

In addition, the market balance is heavily disturbed by challenges like the deterioration of global shipping reliability and the enormous rise in freight rates, with the scales tipping in favour of the carrier companies. These carriers, along with terminal operators and even retailers, are massively adopting logistics as part of their DNA, leading to an unanswerable “What is what?”.  There is no clear distinction anymore between carriers, forwarders and other actors in the shipping line.

According to Prof. Notteboom, this will lead to a higher demand for digital solutions, since the integration of new activities demands a digital basis. “It remains to be seen, however, if the outcome of logistics integration will be favourable”, he concluded, “not in the least because it carries the risk of cannibalising a part of your own customer base.”

The consequences of privatisation

When the floor was opened for questions, the students and alumni asked to elaborate on the evolution of these acquisitions. “Will companies regret these decisions?” and “What’s next?” were questions that sparked the discussion at the networking reception afterwards. “There is no one answer. It is a case by case story”, said Dr. Grushevska. 

But for now there is definitely no sign of stopping. For example, maritime companies are starting to take over ports. These kinds of privatisation will create new models and, in turn, change the job market. “Interestingly, most job vacancies ask for digital or supply chain related skills – which is an indication the logistics sector is looking for profiles with a broad outlook”, said Prof. Notteboom. 

A strong alumni network

AMS sees itself as a partner in that search, teaching the professionals of today to tackle the sustainability challenges of tomorrow. When AMS partnered with University of Antwerp - Faculty of Business and Economics to host their advanced masters program on maritime and air transport management two years ago, it also marked the start of an extensive alumni collaboration that united three existing communities: the former ITMMA, UA's C-MAT and AMS’ alumni association. The evening marked the third success event of this strong community, with both physical and digital attendees. 

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