A Partnership Rooted in Digital Innovation  Octo Actuators is a leading supplier of ultra-flat drive technology for various household furniture, including slatted bases, upholstered and BoxSpring beds, as well as motor-adjustable drive systems for mattresses (E-Motion) and upholstered furniture. Manufactured in Germany, their patented and maintenance-free systems are recognized globally for their quality and reliability.   Octo Actuators turned to Forto, a European digital freight www.forto.com. The post Octo Actuators’ Digital Transformation in Supply Chain Management with Forto ap ..read more

A classical forwarder’s view on AI A few days ago, Forto had its first AI day, hosting external speakers including Gianna Lengyel, Mistral‘s Head of Business Development, Merantix‘ Founder Rasmus Rothe and Tom Hamers and Florian Bartels from McKinsey. This session was all about how Forto is and will be using AI to build the backbone of global trade.    I see myself as a classical Bill of Lading according to a Letter of Credit’s stipulations. A single error meant starting from scratch. Throughout my career, I’ve observed the gradual advancement of digitalization but despite ..read more

In the dynamic global sea freight situation, leading carriers have recently opted to decrease demurrage and detention-free time. This decision, driven by the need to manage operational challenges, is a direct consequence of the ongoing situation in the Red Sea and the approaching Lunar New Year peak. Changes to demurrage and detention conditions are expected to start affecting shipments arriving in early February. It’s not just about reduced free time; the industry also faces equipment shortages and port congestion. Moreover, geopolitical tensions, highlighted by recent incidents involving shi ..read more

The Red Sea Crisis and the Ever Given Incident may appear similar, but the differences in their context caution us against hasty comparisons. In early 2021, the Suez Canal faced a disruption when the massive +20,000 TEU container ship, Ever Given, got stuck, causing a global trade blockade for almost a week, with effects that lasted for months. Fast forward to 2024, and the Red Sea shipping crisis presents its own set of challenges. While there are similarities, the underlying dynamics and impacts on global trade distinguish these events. This article explores these differences, with a focus o ..read more

In their mission to lead the solar energy sector, Enpal encountered a significant hurdle: finding a logistics partner able to match their sustainability commitments to help them minimise emissions during the transport of their solar modules and storage systems. Forto, the first European digital logistics provider, had the perfect solution to help Enpal reduce 100% of its self-routed sea transport emissions. Their collaboration not only addressed logistical challenges but also reinforced a mutual commitment to sustainability.   A collaborative journey Enpal and Forto’s collaboration began ..read more

The consequences of the Red Sea Crisis on European ports  Now that it seems that the rerouting around Africa is here to stay, we expect carriers to implement several measures in Europe to accelerate the transport of empty carriers back to Asia. 1. What happened this week? Today, the SCFI went down by 5,6% for the second week in a row to reach $2,861 for a 20 Foot Equivalent from Asia to Europe. This seems to indicate that the markets are getting used to the rerouting through the Cape of Good Hope and that the shipping industry has adapted to the situation, keeping in mind the warning of A ..read more

Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have recently announced the Gemini Cooperation. This new Vessel Sharing Agreement (VSA) will have a significant impact on the shipping industry. This article examines this development in detail.   1. Gemini: The start of a new chapter in shipping alliances The shipping landscape is set for a significant shift with the announcement of the Gemini Cooperation between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd. This partnership, which will start in February 2025, follows the announcement in January 2023 of the termination of the 2M Alliance VSA agreement between Maersk and MSC. The 2M Alli ..read more

Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd’s Announce Gemini Cooperation Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd surprised the maritime industry with the unveiling of a new operational partnership under the name “Gemini Cooperation,” starting in February 2025. This alliance aims to create a flexible and interconnected ocean network with a fleet of 290 vessels and a capacity of 3.4 million containers. Read more about the announcement here.   Surge in Sea Freight Rates Spurs Shift to Rail The Red Sea crisis has triggered a seismic shift in the logistics landscape, with sea freight rates skyrocketing by 235% month-over-month. R ..read more

In any crisis, visibility becomes a prized commodity. The recent disruption of Red Sea shipping routes is a reminder of an impending challenge: an expected increase in rolled cargo. This phenomenon is common in periods of restricted capacity, like the one anticipated following the rerouting and delays of shipments in late 2023, and it is expected to be especially critical in the weeks leading to and during the Lunar New Year. A rolled cargo event epitomizes the need for precise, timely information in logistics and offers us an ideal example to explore the value of visibility in disruption mana ..read more

In the Red Sea crisis, we’re witnessing a confluence of factors that are reshaping the way goods move across the globe. Here are the latest updates from The Shipping Corner. Europe Braces for Potential Shortages Europe is looking at potential shortages in a situation that varies significantly across industries. Several corporations have announced pauses in production and distribution. Discounter Aldi signals supply chain delays, while Tesla’s supply issues hint at widespread impacts. Volvo and Suzuki are suspending production in European factories, and Michelin’s Spanish factories are also hal ..read more