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“ As container volumes grow , ports will need even closer coordination with shipping lines , logistics providers and land transport services to manage the flow of goods in and out of the port .”
Christian Sur
“ One of our focuses is enhancing stability and reliability by ensuring infrastructure and supply chain relationships are strong to support a rapid recovery .”
Peter Xotta
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Establish industry-wide standards for AI implementation and data sharing : The fragmented nature of the maritime industry often leads to siloed technological advancements . Creating standardized protocols for AI systems and data sharing across the sector would accelerate innovation and improve overall efficiency . This could involve developing a common platform for sharing anonymized operational data , standardizing AI interfaces across different types of vessels and equipment , and establishing clear guidelines for AI-assisted decision-making processes .
To support this transformation , we call on government and regulatory bodies to update regulations accommodating AI-assisted and low-emission vessels , implement carbon pricing mechanisms incentivizing investment in eco-friendly technologies , and fund R & D in maritime AI and clean propulsion technologies .
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Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
Peter Xotta
President and CEO www . portvancouver . com
How do you best ensure stability in an ever-changing world ?
It ’ s a question we find ourselves asking more and more after several turbulent years for West Coast ports . At a glance , national and international issues that have impacted ports in our region in recent years include disruptions to the Suez and Panama canals , uncertainty over supply chain labor relations , yo-yoing consumer demand for imported goods , and extreme weather impacting inland supply chains .
They say to never let a good crisis go to waste . At the Port of Vancouver , one of our focuses is enhancing stability and reliability by ensuring infrastructure and supply chain relationships are strong to support a rapid recovery .
The importance of this work was demonstrated last summer when port terminals were able to quickly recover
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Unique Logistics
Christian Sur
Executive Vice President www . unique-usa . com
Geopolitical tensions — including trade wars , tariffs and regional conflicts — will continue to be major challenging factors facing container lines and port and terminal operators in 2025 . These tensions can and will disrupt established supply chains , cause delays and increase costs .
Despite challenges , global trade will continue to grow to add pressure on port capacities and efficiency without adequate infrastructure upgrades . Many ports will need significant improvements to accommodate larger vessels and increased volume flow . As container volumes grow , ports will need even closer coordination with shipping lines , logistics providers and land transport services to manage the flow of goods in and out of the port .
Labor issues — as we have seen
following almost back-to-back disruptions to rail service caused by wildfires and a labor dispute .
Collaboration and planning between railways and port operators , as well as infrastructure investments , were key to this rapid recovery . As competitors worked together , CN and CPKC quickly resumed rail service , and the right terminal equipment was available . This included work at Deltaport and Centerm , helping the port have three record days for rail production in late August , averaging 80,000 feet a day and helping clear potential congestion .
Looking forward , we continue to progress a range of projects that we hope will further insulate the container sector to unexpected shocks . This
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multiple times in 2024 in all parts of the world — will likely continue in 2025 . Chronic labor shortages are exacerbated by an aging workforce and difficulty attracting younger workers and will add to already strained employer and union relationships . Additionally , with demand for real-time tracking and transparency becoming more essential at every step of the supply chain by clients , all operators will need to invest in digital solutions .
Aside from external factors impacting the industry , realignment of major ocean carrier alliances beginning in February 2025 will bring challenges and adjustments for all users of carrier services . The expectation is for new and existing members of alliances to implement varying strategies to protect their market share , which in turn should provide varying opportunities for shippers .
To comply with steeper decarbonization requirements , vessel owners and operators will need to widen their slow steaming practices and adopt
includes expanding the port ’ s Active Vessel Traffic Management system , assessing short-sea shipping , improving supply chain visibility and progressing Roberts Bank Terminal 2 .
In short , with the unexpected now expected , we are focused on building relationships and infrastructure we believe the Port of Vancouver requires to remain a stable and reliable gateway that can thrive in uncertain times .
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