Page 20 - LUA November December 2024 Issue for website
P. 20

INTERVIEW




         ?   In a recent statement,
             Kuehne+Nagel’s CEO emphasised
         that “bigger isn’t always better,”
         highlighting their focus on quality, not
         just size, through their Roadmap 2026
         strategy. Are we witnessing a shift
         towards consolidation, where major
         players are absorbing smaller and
         mid-sized companies to strengthen their
         market position?
         The logistics market is highly fragmented.
         Kuehne+Nagel, the number one freight
         forwarder in sea logistics, controls between
         3 and 4% of the sea freight market globally.
         This number changes between the countries
         and regions; still, it proves that even large
         consolidations do not monopolise the
         global market and leave room for small and
         medium-sized logistics companies.
           Our strategy at Kuehne+Nagel is
         to continue growing organically, by
         expanding our customer base and
         increasing handled volumes across all
         business units and verticals. Our Vision
         2030, to become the most trusted supply                             high-tech, or high-value. For large
         chain partner supporting a sustainable       The booming            customers with large volumes, having one
         future, remains steadfast. Our Roadmap       e-commerce             contact person instead of multiple teams
         2026 provides clear guidelines on how                               for all the logistics-related services is a
         we plan to achieve this ambitious goal,   industry actively         great relief. In case of market disruptions,
         with our cornerstones reflecting our key   adds to the air freight   no matter the kind, we can utilise our
         priorities: the Kuehne+Nagel Experience,                            network and instantly offer alternative
         Digital Ecosystem, Living ESG, and   volumes. Customers             solutions, something that small forwarders
         Market Potential.                    are now used to ultra-         simply cannot do.
           At Kuehne+Nagel, our focus remains                                   For many years, there have been
         on quality and customer experience, rather   fast delivery, which can   discussions about whether some customers
         than sheer quantity. As our global CEO,   be achieved only with     will shift to working with carriers directly,
         Stefan Paul, has articulated, our approach   air logistics.         bypassing freight forwarders. While this
         to growth is about becoming better, not                             certainly happens, we often see these
         necessarily bigger.                                                 customers returning to us. The reason
           Is Kuehne+Nagel looking into mergers   I believe the fragmented market   is simple: working with a carrier means
         and acquisitions? We are always on the   creates healthy competition and gives   lost flexibility and a significant increase
         lookout for the right partners, especially   customers a selection of partners they   in workload for the customer, who would
         for the niche markets and services that can   want to work with.    rather focus on their core business than
         support our global network and offerings   At Kuehne+Nagel, our top priority   the logistics. By choosing Kuehne+Nagel,
         to our customers.                 is building and maintaining strong   customers can enjoy the benefits of
                                           relationships with our customers,   our comprehensive services, industry
         ?   With the rise of super forwarders,   business partners, and freight forwarders.   expertise, and commitment to making
             how do you see the dynamics   We achieve this by providing the   their logistics experience as smooth and
         evolving between carriers, shippers, and   experience and quality our customers   efficient as possible.
         forwarders, especially in the GCC region?   and their cargo deserve and fostering
         And how is Kuehne+Nagel positioning   transparent and respectful cooperation   ?   The logistics industry in the GCC
         itself to navigate these changes?  with all parties involved.           region faces unique challenges, such
         The UAE alone has around 7,500 freight   Our advantage is that we offer our   as geopolitical tensions and shifting
         forwarding companies. Some support   customers a full range of services. We also   trade routes. What are the main obstacles
         only a few customers and ship a dozen   have expertise and experience in handling   you see in the region, and how is Kuehne
         containers monthly. Some specialise in a   specific, demanding products, such as   + Nagel adapting to overcome them?
         single activity, such as customs clearance.  healthcare, semiconductors, perishables,   Disruptions, whether geopolitical, natural

       18 LUA                                                                           NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2024
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