Erasmus UPT conducted a study on the impact of carrier logistics, commissioned by SmartPort and the Top Sector Logistics. Bart Kuipers and Dominique van Keeken conducted the study. Carrier logistics refers to the trend in which container shipping companies increasingly focus on the integrated supply chain management of container cargo instead of limiting themselves to operating container liner services by sea. The study includes case studies of the shipping companies Maersk, MSC, and CMA CGM. This study emerged from concerns among businesses in the Port of Rotterdam about the increasing market power of these shipping companies. Simultaneously, the study examined the trend of shippers transporting containers themselves, using Lidl's Tailwind shipping company as a case study.
The main conclusions of the study are:
- The focus of services in carrier logistics is on strengthening terminals and hinterland networks;
- There are more opportunities for intermodal transport through the development of networks from the seaports and better coordination between maritime transport, transshipment, and hinterland transport;
- A positive impact on the Port of Rotterdam through hub development and investments;
- Opportunities for the logistics sector in our country, focusing on regional markets and subcontracting.
