Brief: European Shippers Face Disruptions; Turn to Near-Sourcing for Resilience

Maersk survey reveals widespread delays; European firms shift sourcing closer to mitigate supply risks.

According to Maersk’s survey of 2,000 customers across Europe, three out of four European shippers reported operational delays over the last 12 months. Among these, 22% experienced more than 20 incidents, significantly impacting business costs. The main drivers of disruption include geopolitical conflicts and extreme weather conditions, both of which are damaging vital infrastructure and causing delays in securing necessary production materials.

Shifting Strategies: Near-Sourcing and Resilience Building

In response to these disruptions, over half of the surveyed businesses are considering new sourcing locations closer to or within Europe. Turkey, Egypt, Poland, Morocco, and Romania are emerging as top near-sourcing choices. This shift aims to reduce dependency on distant, volatile regions and manage risks more effectively. Additionally, companies are investing heavily in resilience-building measures, including adopting new technologies for improved forecasting accuracy and enhancing visibility into their emissions footprint.

The survey underscores the importance of supply chain flexibility and resilience in the face of ongoing global challenges. As European companies reconsider sourcing strategies and invest in innovative logistics solutions, Maersk is poised to support these evolving needs with its robust intra-European network and commitment to sustainable logistics.

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