The global supply chain of old seems to be in an upheaval, and a growing stack of empty containers might not be able to make their way home from American ports.
Uncertainty is stalling the industry’s momentum, according to Maritime Analytica, because of high freight costs, digitalization and investments in sustainability.
All is adding to a possible supply-chain crisis, which – some say – is right now just hiding in plain sight.
Moreover, the ever-changing world of global logistics is facing many new demands that an often-conservative container-shipping industry must adapt to, as well – including: the use of technology, fleet availability and flexibility as well as solutions that benefit the triple bottom-line.
‘Next practice’ is best practice
If the global shipping industry is to thrive (again!), more of the same won’t do. The one-way container leasing industry is highly equipped to handle both the current supply issues and the new requirements from the market and the supply chain – not least in terms of, say, fleet accessibility, the utilization of AI and the continued green transition.
Luckily, there is a highly specialized generation of emerging one-way leasing companies, who are spearheading a change within container shipping, where the ‘same-old, same-old’ no longer suffices.
These have embraced digital technology such as AI, while also investing in an accessible depot network and a reliable fleet of green containers. Define has ‘next practice’ is in fact best practice, going forward.
One-way may be the best way
Conventionally, one-way leasing might have been seen as a niche industry in global contairer shipping. However, this is all about to change. The one-way leasing industry is breaking away from being a niche solution. This means that these companies are working to subvert expectations and misconceptions about the industry.
Not least among those who might still think it is primarily a tailor-made solution at a high end price. Because – let’s be honest: price is still king with increasing port fees, inflation, and geopolitical risks.
With the global supply chain in its current state, now is the time to define what is ‘next’ in global shipping.
And what is next, is one-way leasing.
Author of the article: Osmo Lahtinen, CEO at OVL Container
Osmo Lahtinen is the Managing Director of OVL Container and has almost 20 years of experience in the business.
His career started with a small trucking company, but he switched to container trading in 2008. Since 2013, though, Osmo Lahtinen has mainly focused on short-term one-way container leasing.
