Mr Henrik Jensen, Managing Director, Maersk Oceania writes:
“As we farewell 2020, there can be no doubt that the year will be remembered for the sudden and devastating appearance of Covid-19. The virus has dramatically affected almost all corners of the world, causing humanitarian and economic crisis with extraordinary consequences across communities and industries.
“Starting in China, the effect on product supply chains was first not as pronounced, as it coincided with the annual shut down of production for
Chinese New Year. However, as the virus spread in China and later overseas, market after market went into complete lock down. Multiple demand and supply shocks would rattle the global economy and create panic for millions of household consumers. Who would have predicted that toilet paper would be the first product in short supply across most industrial nations, including Australia?
“Despite numerous supply chain challenges inflicted by natural and economic disasters in the last decade, most companies still found themselves unprepared for the global scale pandemic.
“From the conversations we have had with our Australian customers, the most common and immediate need has been to introduce greater flexibility, enhanced data visibility and new modes of transport into their supply chains.
“The changes in purchasing patterns of customers seen throughout 2020 has been dramatic, with online purchasing significantly increasing, safe home delivery requirements and the need for these changes to be implemented in a very short time to keep products flowing and businesses going”.
