Learning Resources

This book examines choices of strategy and business models in an industry characterized by high volatility - global tramp shipping. This industry plays a vital role in the movement of bulk commodities (e.g., coal, oil, grain, ore), which are the backbone of global trade. It is a type of maritime transport service where vessels (e.g., bulk carriers, tankers, general cargo ships, and so on) operate without fixed schedules or predetermined routes. Instead, they travel on an ad-hoc basis, moving cargoes based on demand, market conditions, and charter agreements.

The industry has fairly stable and predictable delivery times for new tonnage but highly volatile demand for it, with demand being affected by changes in global trade and trade patterns, global unrest, piracy and geopolitics as well as large-scale societal transitions such as digitalization and sustainability, the latter of which are becoming increasingly important and challenging.

The book provides an overview of strategic options and choices in a conservative industry. It also tracks significant changes over the last 30 years to the industry’s competitive environment, from financialisation to digitalization, and how this impacts choices of strategy and business models for senior management. It forms part of an evolving 'learning portal' that will also include business cases from different parts of the value chain in tramp shipping. From service suppliers to flag states, and from smaller operators to large ship owning conglomerates. Additionally a number of podcast interviews with senior industry figures will add color and currency to this learning portal.

publikation_cbs_maritime_template_draft_pb_6.9.pdf