Maersk's Three Obstacles to Resilient Supply Chains in 2025

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Maersk has unveiled its three obstacles to antifragile supply chains
Shipping giant Maersk has explored the factors shaping supply chains in 2025, helping supply chain professionals to plan for sustainable growth

The evolving dynamics of global commerce make supply chain resilience more critical than ever.

Clearly, in this post-pandemic world, businesses must prepare for disruptions by identifying key challenges and building strategies to navigate uncertainty.

Maersk, the Danish shipping and logistics powerhouse, has explored the factors shaping supply chains in 2025, helping supply chain professionals plan for sustainable growth.

Continued disruption

The geopolitical landscape remains a significant factor influencing global supply chains.

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict is expected to continue affecting trade, with sanctions against Russia likely to remain in place. No formal ceasefire has been reached and negotiations between the two sides face considerable obstacles. Sanctions will continue to target Russian-produced materials, such as gas, fuel and other energy supplies. These restrictions also impact intermodal transport from China to Europe, as trans-Russia routes remain limited.

A large container ship passing through the Suez Canal. Picture: Getty Images

Meanwhile, despite the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, the Red Sea region continues to experience instability, causing shipping lines to avoid the Suez Canal. Carriers are maintaining rerouted services via the Cape of Good Hope, a practice set to persist for the foreseeable future. This adjustment adds time and costs to shipments but remains necessary given the security concerns in the region.

Businesses operating internationally must remain aware of these geopolitical developments. The ability to adapt to disruptions and adjust strategies to secure alternative routes is crucial for maintaining supply chain integrity in this volatile environment.

Maersk's obstacles to resilience

1. Political shifts and regulatory pressures in Europe

Maersk points out that Europe faces a combination of political uncertainty and economic challenges that could impact regional supply chains. Germany’s anticipated government changes may lead to limited fiscal measures with little effect on economic growth before 2026, potentially influencing broader European trade. Similarly, France’s deficit-reduction efforts could falter, sparking fiscal instability and political uncertainty. Legislative elections in France remain a possibility, which would introduce further disruption.

Adding to this, new tariffs and regulations across Europe come at a time of economic fragility. Carsten Brzeski, Global Head of Macro at ING, notes that disagreements over fiscal policies in Germany and France are exacerbate existing challenges. However, James Smith, ING’s Developed Markets Economist, highlights that increased UK Government spending may allow Britain to outperform its European neighbours, although tariffs still pose risks.

Regulatory changes will also push companies to adopt higher levels of compliance. Stricter requirements around environmental standards, labour practices and product safety demand greater visibility in supply chains. Businesses must leverage technology to enhance transparency and traceability, ensuring adherence to these evolving regulations. Failure to do so risks financial penalties and reputational damage.

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2. The threat of climate change 

Climate change continues to challenge supply chains, despite predictions of milder impacts in 2025 due to the La Niña weather pattern. Rising global temperatures and increasingly frequent extreme weather events disrupt transport routes, damage infrastructure and reduce the availability of essential raw materials.

To mitigate these risks, Maersk contends that businesses must invest in infrastructure capable of withstanding extreme weather. Sustainable practices, such as reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency, can further bolster supply chain resilience. By adopting green initiatives, companies also align with growing regulatory demands for environmental responsibility, particularly in Europe.

Proactive measures to address climate-related risks are no longer optional. Companies that fail to adapt risk falling behind in the competitive global market.

3. Geopolitical instability

The geopolitical landscape in 2025 remains tumultuous and is poised for periods of heightened tension, meaning businesses must maintain their adaptability.

Successfully navigating political shifts will be essential for preserving supply chain continuity and capitalising on emerging market opportunities. Establishing strong diplomatic and trade relationships will also play a key role in managing the complexities of the global arena.

To succeed amid such unpredictability, Maersk says businesses will need strategic foresight and proactive risk management. By anticipating disruptions and implementing solid contingency plans, companies can bolster their resilience and secure a competitive advantage in the international market.

Supply chain resilience has never been more crucial

Building antifragile supply chains 

Maersk's solution? Create an antifragile supply chain capable of handling the shocks and stresses still to come in 2025. 

Collaborating with a supply chain partner can play a vital role in achieving this, with key benefits including: 

  • Operational continuity: Minimised disruptions help maintain smooth business operations, even in uncertain times.
  • Competitive edge: Reliable and adaptable supply chains build customer trust and offer a clear advantage over competitors.
  • Risk mitigation: Advanced risk management strategies prevent issues from escalating into crises, ensuring business continuity.

Explore the latest edition of Supply Chain Digital Magazine and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE.

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