A shipping alliance, more commonly called a maritime alliance, is a cooperative agreement between ocean carriers to cover different trade routes for goods. The importance of such coalitions lies in the fact that the sea is a vital source of resources and a crucial means of transport for trade for several reasons:
- The majority of goods traded globally are carried by large ships.
- It is an essential means of transport for the supply of raw materials and energy to countries around the world.
- It is a high-capacity transport mode with a wide coverage of routes or destinations.
However, the use of the sea can also have negative effects, such as overexploitation of marine resources, pollution or risks to maritime safety. Maritime alliances seek to address these problems through measures designed to promote sustainable practices and the collaboration of countries, such as the reduction of greenhouse gases, responsible waste management or the conservation of marine biodiversity.
Stock Logistic is an integral logistics operator with more than 30 years of experience in international maritime transport, considered the most versatile means of transport. Thanks to its coordination with the main shipping companies in the world, it reaches practically any point on the planet via maritime routes.
Key objectives of maritime alliances
As strategic arrangements between companies, organisations and/or countries seeking to improve their competitive position in the marketplace and increase their ability to influence the maritime domain, maritime alliances have several important objectives including:
- Cost reduction: sharing resources and reducing operational and administrative costs, which can increase your efficiency or profitability.
- Improving service offerings: offering a wider range of services and/or improving the quality of existing supplies, which can help attract and retain customers.
- Access to new markets: expand your geographical presence and increase international business opportunities.
- Improving the competitive position: to enhance the value of their services compared to other market players, including larger and more experienced companies.
Examples of large shipping alliances currently in operation include the OCEAN Alliance, which was formed in 2017 between CMA CGM, COSCO, OOCL and Evergreen to access new markets and improve their competitive position vis-à-vis other companies. Or The Alliance, formed by Hapag-Lloyd, Yang Ming, Ocean Network Express and ONE Apus, which with a fleet of more than 350 container ships, offers maritime transport services on different routes worldwide, connecting Asia, Europe, North and South America.
These alliances allow shipping lines to share resources and reduce costs in areas such as route planning, vessel allocation, container utilisation and cargo consolidation. They also help them to gain a larger market share.
A company with a strong presence in the maritime sector
Stock Logistic is a leading logistics and transport company, with a significant presence in the shipping sector. Its specialisation in maritime freight transport services, as well as its extensive experience in the management of port operations, make it a key player in international trade. In addition, the company has all types of standardised and approved maritime containers to cover any goods transport need.
The importance of maritime transport in Stock Logistic lies in its capacity to offer integral solutions to its clients, from the maritime transport of goods to the management of customs and documentation necessary for port operations. Thanks to its experience and professionalism, Stock Logistic guarantees a service of quality and security in the transport and management of goods in the naval field, contributing to the economic development and growth of international trade.