In a world increasingly shaped by volatility, uncertainty, and complex global dynamics, the question arises: Are we simply adapting to disruption—or reengineering resilience itself?
Maersk (OTC: AMKBY) explores this critical issue in its thought-provoking podcast episode, “The New Normal: Building Resilient Supply Chains in a World of Constant Disruptions.” Featuring expert insights from James Hookham, Director of the Global Shippers Forum, and Zera Zheng, Global Head of Business Resilience at Maersk, the episode unpacks the shifting foundations of global trade and what it takes for businesses to thrive amid continuous disruption.
Geopolitics, Climate, and the Age of Compound Disruption
Geopolitical instability has become one of the most persistent forces impacting global supply chains. As Hookham notes, the current landscape is one of unparalleled complexity:
“The world just seems to be in a different paradigm right now,” he remarked, pointing to not just political tensions but a broader web of challenges including labor unrest, climate volatility, and extreme weather events.
Zheng reinforced this view, describing the new operational reality as one of “compound disruptions”—where multiple issues intersect to create a dynamic and unpredictable environment.
“We’re moving into a mindset where disruption is no longer episodic—it’s continuous,” Zheng explained. “You’re dealing with one disruption after another, often overlapping.”
Legal and Climate Risks Escalate
As of mid-2025, businesses face mounting legal uncertainty, particularly in relation to U.S. tariffs. Zheng cited ongoing ambiguity surrounding tariff legislation and the U.S. Court of International Trade’s interpretation of the IEEPA Emergency Act.
“There’s a new twist emerging,” she said. “These legal uncertainties are creating serious challenges for logistics planning and trade execution.”
Climate-related risks are also intensifying. While forecasts suggest a generally milder year, Zheng emphasized heightened vigilance for climate-related disruptions in vulnerable regions such as Europe—where extreme heat and drought conditions could trigger wildfires and impact supply flows.
“Environmental risks must now be part of strategic supply chain planning,” she noted. “Resilience today requires anticipating not just trade shifts, but natural events too.”
From Reaction to Readiness: The Strategic Shift
Given the scale and scope of today’s disruptions, should businesses wait and react, or act decisively?
Hookham urged companies to move beyond passive strategies:
“This is not business as usual—you’re going to need more people, more tools, and more robust planning to manage what’s coming,” he said, advocating for a proactive approach supported by deeper organizational capacity.
Zheng agreed, emphasizing that "wait and see" is no longer a viable option.
“We advise our customers to prioritize early risk detection and scenario planning,” she explained. “Knowing your options before a disruption occurs is key to ensuring agility and rapid response.”
Data as a Strategic Asset
Data, Zheng argued, is the backbone of resilient logistics. Modern supply chains generate vast volumes of data—but how that data is analyzed and applied is what drives value.
“It’s not just about having the data,” she said. “It’s about asking the right questions—what does this data mean for my cargo, my timeline, and my alternatives?”
Historical disruption data—such as port recovery times following natural disasters—can help forecast outcomes and inform contingency strategies, providing a vital edge in uncertain conditions.
Digitalization: The Foundation of Future Resilience
Digital transformation is no longer optional—it’s mission-critical. Hookham emphasized the importance of rethinking digital investments through a resilience lens:
“Evaluate digital solutions not as ‘business as usual’ but as essential for crisis management,” he urged. “Real-time visibility, system interoperability, and secure digital workflows are fundamental to staying competitive and responsive.”
By leveraging technologies such as AI, predictive analytics, and automated planning tools, businesses can transform complexity into clarity—and disruption into opportunity.
Collaboration: The Industry’s Greatest Untapped Asset
Both experts highlighted the growing imperative for collaborative resilience. The alignment between carriers and shippers has never been more crucial.
“Carriers are leaning into this business,” said Hookham. “We’re seeing more openness to share data, coordinate timelines, and co-create contingency frameworks.”
Zheng echoed this sentiment, noting that shared visibility and synchronized planning across the supply chain will be instrumental in minimizing the ripple effects of disruption.
Conclusion: Resilience is a Competitive Advantage
As global trade becomes more fragmented and fragile, companies must reframe resilience—not as a defensive posture, but as a strategic advantage. The age of disruption is not ending—it’s evolving. Those who recognize this and act decisively will not only survive but lead the next chapter in global commerce.
Source: https://www.freightwaves.com/news/brace-endless-disruptions-mark-new-path-to-supply-chain-resiliency
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