Maersk: 76% of European Shippers Face Costly Disruptions
Supply chain disruptions have plagued European shippers over the past year, according to a new report by global logistics leader, Maersk.
The company, which operates in more than 130 countries with a workforce of nearly 100,000, conducted a survey of 2,000 customers across Europe to gauge the scale and impact of these ongoing issues. The findings highlight the financial toll disruptions take on European businesses and show how companies are reshaping strategies to build resilience.
In recent years, Maersk has actively worked towards sustainable solutions, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2040 through new technologies, innovative vessels and low-emission fuels.
However, the current supply chain landscape highlights the urgency for resilience amid instability, with three out of four European shippers reporting operational delays over the last 12 months.
Costly impact and rising disruption drivers
Among the 2,000 logistics professionals surveyed, 76% reported supply chain interruptions in the past year, with a notable 22% experiencing in excess of 20 such incidents.
This frequent disruption is hitting business costs hard, with 58% of respondents stating that these issues cost significantly more than they had anticipated.
These costly setbacks are not isolated; one-third of businesses also reported difficulty securing the materials necessary for production due to delays, putting further strain on operations and bottom lines.
The main drivers of disruption, according to respondents, include geopolitical conflicts and increasingly extreme weather conditions. Both are taking a toll on vital infrastructure, from canals and rivers experiencing record-low water levels to flood-damaged roads and facilities.
For instance, recent floods in Spain underscore how climate change exacerbates vulnerabilities within logistics networks. Unsurprisingly, 80% of those surveyed see geopolitical tension and state-level conflicts as the most likely disruptors to impact supply chains in 2024.
"The drive for near- and multi-sourcing strategies is becoming more and more visible, with various examples coming up within the intra-European trade scope," notes Frederik Moeller, Maersk’s Intra-Europe Market Manager.
This shift in strategy is seen as businesses look to shorten supply routes and manage risks more effectively by sourcing goods closer to home.
A shift towards near-sourcing and resilience building
In response to these disruptions, over half of surveyed businesses are considering new sourcing locations, with a strong inclination toward countries closer to or within Europe.
Turkey leads as the top near-sourcing choice (attracting 11% of respondents), followed by Egypt (7%), Poland (6%), Morocco (3%) and Romania (2%). This trend reflects a shift in sourcing strategy towards reducing dependency on distant, volatile regions, which can be vulnerable to sudden logistical and political challenges.
Maersk, with its robust intra-European network, is well-positioned to support these changes, offering comprehensive transportation options like rail, barge and warehousing solutions in these emerging locations.
The emphasis on near-sourcing within Europe showcases a growing trend among businesses to stabilise supply chains while reducing costs and lead times.
Beyond sourcing adjustments, companies are investing heavily in resilience-building measures across their logistics operations. One-third of respondents report adopting new technologies to improve forecasting accuracy, while 25% are focusing on enhancing visibility into their emissions footprint.
A greater number are investing in monitoring tools and tracking solutions to ensure smoother, more transparent operations despite continued challenges. These efforts expose a collective realisation: resilience in supply chains isn’t a luxury but a necessity.
The importance of supply chain flexibility
The financial ramifications of recent disruptions are another notable trend in the report.
More than half of businesses say that the costs linked to these supply chain disturbances exceeded expectations, and only 20% of respondents were able to address and resolve all disruptions quickly. The situation has led to a renewed emphasis on diversification and the need for adaptable, flexible supply chain strategies to withstand ongoing global challenges.
The findings show that companies are prioritising resilience, with a focus on improving visibility and adaptability. For many European businesses, flexibility and preparedness against disruption are critical to managing costs and protecting business continuity.
If there is one thing that we have learnt lately, it is that disruption is imminent and we also know from our customers that they see it that way. But very importantly, we see that European businesses are conscious that the best way to tackle disruption is increasing resilience in supply chains.
The report highlights the importance of near-sourcing, intra-European trade and flexibility in building robust supply chains.
As European companies reconsider sourcing strategies and invest in innovative logistics solutions, Maersk aims to continue adapting its services to support these evolving needs.
The company’s commitment to sustainable logistics and climate-friendly operations resonates strongly amid the increasing focus on reliable, resilient supply chains across Europe.
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