Copenhagen – In an era defined by persistent global supply chain volatility, Maersk’s recent Supply Chain Management Forum 2025 in Copenhagen convened nearly 200 European industry leaders under the critical theme: ‘From Uncertainty to Opportunity: How European Businesses Can Achieve Growth Amid Supply Chain Volatility.’ The exclusive event, held at Maersk Headquarters, underscored a pivotal shift where disruption is no longer an anomaly but a foundational element for strategic planning and growth.
The Era of Enduring Disruption
The forum took place against a backdrop of complex global challenges. Geopolitical tensions, shifting trade policies, and economic fluctuations continue to shape the logistics landscape, creating an environment of prolonged uncertainty. This unpredictability has become the norm, with European businesses actively seeking strategies not just to mitigate risks but to leverage these conditions for competitive advantage. The GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index has tracked this evolving landscape, noting that while Europe is showing signs of recovery, tariff uncertainty remains a structural reality requiring proactive management.
Gemini East-West Network: A Foundation for Reliability
A central focus of the discussions was Maersk’s Gemini East-West Network, a collaboration with Hapag-Lloyd designed to set new industry benchmarks for reliability. Since its full phase-in in early 2025, the network has reportedly achieved significant schedule reliability, consistently exceeding market averages with figures in the high 90% range for specific periods. Sebastian Von Hayn, Head of Trans Suez Network at Maersk, highlighted how this hub-and-spoke model, featuring fewer port calls and optimized transit times, is crucial for building resilient supply chains. The network’s performance is seen as a key enabler for businesses aiming to de-risk their operations, manage inventory more effectively, and ultimately reduce costs and carbon footprints. This high level of ocean reliability is a significant development in a sector previously plagued by inconsistent performance, with industry-wide averages hovering much lower.
Customer Voices: Reliability in Practice
Real-world experiences shared by key customers provided compelling evidence of how enhanced reliability translates into tangible business benefits. Representatives from retail giant Kingfisher and food industry leader Barilla offered their exclusive insights into what supply chain reliability means in practice and their firsthand experience with the Gemini network. Discussions also featured customer perspectives from major players like Pfizer, Electrolux, and Primark, who detailed their operational responses to ongoing disruptions and the most effective steps they have taken to ensure continuity and growth amidst unforeseen events. These testimonials emphasized the importance of strong partnerships and dependable logistics in navigating complex supply chains.
Navigating Economic Headwinds and Trade Dynamics
The forum also addressed the complex interplay of economic factors impacting trade. Lars Karlsson, Maersk Global Head of Trade and Customs Consulting, guided attendees on managing global tariffs and customs challenges, advocating for a proactive rather than reactive approach to foster growth. Insights from Jesper Rangvid, Professor of Finance at Copenhagen Business School, provided an economic forecast, detailing the potential impacts of global economic trends on supply chain operations. The ongoing discussion around trade policies and potential tariff escalations underscores the need for agility and informed decision-making in global trade strategy.
Transforming Uncertainty into Opportunity
Maersk Europe President Aymeric Chandavoine opened the forum by welcoming attendees and setting the stage for discussions aimed at equipping businesses to thrive despite market volatility. The overarching message from the Maersk Supply Chain Management Forum 2025 was clear: while disruption is a constant, it also presents avenues for innovation and strategic advantage. By embracing advanced technologies, fostering robust partnerships, and prioritizing reliability, European businesses can effectively turn the challenges of uncertainty into opportunities for sustained growth and operational excellence. The event served as a crucial platform for sharing knowledge and best practices, enabling attendees to better tackle supply chain complexities in the dynamic global market. This focus on resilience and adaptive strategies is among the most trending topics in supply chain management for 2025.
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