In his keynote speech at the London International Shipping Week (LISW21) conference, Soren Toft, CEO, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, discussed the current economic environment, the pressure the whole supply chain is facing and how the industry is evolving.
More specifically, emphasising shipping’s role as the backbone of global trade, Mr. Toft explored the current state of the market, and how international shipping can continue to evolve to deliver world trade in a reliable, smart and sustainable manner.
We need to keep explaining the real story that shipping is a force for good that has made trade affordable for decades and created prosperity around the world. Producers who in the past could only serve a local market now have the entire world at their feet
He also underlined that the shipping sector needs to improve reliable service for customers, digitise operations for efficiency and create digital solutions to meet customer demands, as well as continuing to invest in decarbonising global trade.
Regarding to commitments by MSC and other shipping lines to reach net zero CO2 emissions by 2050, Mr. Toft reiterated MSC’s support for a global market-based measure, potentially incorporating carbon pricing, that could help catalyse the urgently required development at scale of zero-emission marine fuel solutions from energy companies.
Soren Toft also expressed gratitude to all the people working in shipping and logistics who “have done a remarkable job in keeping economies supporting the livelihoods and needs of others.”
