Global Seaport Terminal Operators Urged to “Be Bold”

Supply chain managers reliant on global ocean carrier cargo services will be watching developments now underway in San Francisco this week with great interest.

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union convenes its delegate caucus at its headquarters here to determine if the tentative contract with the Pacific Maritime Association is good for its members. One radical wing of the ILWU will be staging a forum across the street at the same time to persuade the rank and file that it’s a bad deal.

Meanwhile, a more positive series of meetings will take place downtown. Navis World 2015 welcomes record crowds to examine technological solutions to port congestion that have been exacerbated by labor disruptions – most recently on the U.S. West Coast.

The theme of the conference should resonate with shippers made weary by the conflict of interest at Pacific Rim ports: “Connect. Collaborate. Innovate.”

Among the more prominent participants will be executives of the World Shipping Council, whose members operate approximately 90 percent of the global liner ship capacity.

They provide approximately 400 regularly scheduled services linking the continents of the world. Collectively, these services transport about 60 percent of the value of global seaborne trade, and more than $4 trillion worth of goods annually.

“The Ocean shipping industry faces some unprecedented challenges today,” admits Navis senior vice president, Andy Barrons. “But we believe that these hurdles can be overcome with bravery in executing new and forward ideas.”

Industry stakeholders – especially U.S. West Coast dockworkers – may wish to summon the same kind of courage. It’s time to bury past resentments and get back to work.

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