**London**: A recent report reveals significant disparities in cargo visibility between terminals and shippers, with only 25% of shippers feeling adequately informed. The findings underscore the need for improved technology integration and collaborative efforts to bridge the communication gap in the supply chain sector.
A new research report conducted by Kaleris in collaboration with maritime analyst firm Thetius has highlighted significant issues regarding cargo visibility and operational transparency in the supply chain sector. The report, titled “The Great Divide: Closing the Communication Chasm Between Terminals and Shippers”, examines the ongoing disconnect between marine terminals and shippers. This disparity underscores the urgency for enhanced communication and technology integration across the industry’s stakeholders.
Despite 87% of terminal operators claiming to provide adequate visibility, only a quarter of shippers report receiving similar levels of transparency. This stark difference suggests that while visibility platforms have been implemented, they may not be sufficient in addressing the complexities of modern supply chains. Rene Alvarenga, Senior Director of Product Management at Kaleris, emphasised that relying solely on these platforms does not resolve the challenges. “A resilient and agile supply chain requires stakeholders to use platforms designed to work seamlessly together,” he noted, making a case for improved understanding between terminals and shippers.
The report reveals specific findings that indicate a considerable visibility gap; it reports that 61% of shippers do not receive automated alerts for critical events like arrivals and customs clearance. Furthermore, underutilisation of technology is prevalent, with both terminals and shippers using only 60-75% of their execution systems’ capabilities. This inadequate use of available technology has been linked to business losses, with 40% of survey participants acknowledging they had lost business due to these shortcomings.
Data ownership emerged as another contentious topic within the report, where 59% of respondents believed that data should be jointly owned by terminals and shippers. However, a significant portion also felt this ambiguity complicates data integration, raising concerns over what information can be ethically shared.
Alvarenga reiterated the importance of interoperability within the supply chain, stating that focusing on technology adoption and collaboration could lead to a future where operational visibility becomes a standard rather than an aspiration. Similarly, Nick Chubb, founder of Thetius, pointed out that fostering connections between trading partners and establishing secure data exchanges are essential for driving efficiency and value in supply chain operations.
Kaleris is set to present these findings in-depth at Manifest 2025 on February 10, where CEO Kirk Knauff will be a featured panellist discussing digital transformation and traceability in container movements. This dialogue aims to address the pressing need for improved supplier relationship management (SRM) that goes beyond conventional KPIs and dashboards, incorporating real-time data and operational analytics for a more cohesive understanding of supplier relationships.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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