Profitable Container Cargo Systems for Bold Industry Players
Photo: Marios Kourkoulos
Why only the courageous industry players will get the most profitable container cargo systems?
The simple answer is that they choose to procure the entire container cargo system for their container vessels from a single company.
If this approach is so beneficial, why hasn't the entire industry adopted it?
A container cargo system solution entails sourcing all components of the cargo system from a single supplier. This includes hatch covers, lashing bridges, fixed and loose container fittings, and more. Taking a comprehensive view of the cargo system ensures that there are no suboptimal parts or gaps in interfaces between system components.
Usability gaps are detrimental to cargo-carrying businesses. For example trying to save costs by opting for low-cost container fixed fittings can potentially destroy the entire cargo system. I have witnessed such incidents firsthand.
When the system provider ensures that all parts work seamlessly together and takes responsibility for the results, the payback times are remarkably short.
So, if the key phrase in this context is "container cargo system solution," why does mentioning it cause discomfort instead of relief? There are three main reasons:
- Purchase processes at ship owners' offices
- Purchase processes at builders’ offices
- Lack of system providers
Addressing items 1 and 2 requires significant effort. It becomes easier if the buyer knows exactly what they want, and the remaining challenge lies in item 2. However, the process is labor-intensive because each component of the cargo system is typically treated as an independent entity.
Item 3 presents an intriguing challenge. MacGregor is the sole global provider capable of offering all components of a container cargo system, from loose lashings to hatch covers and everything in between. One might assume that MacGregor enjoys a strong business position as a system provider.
Unfortunately, this is not the whole truth.
Creating a cargo solution is usually not more expensive than buying components from different suppliers. Without competition and alternative offers, making valid holistic comparisons becomes challenging. This, combined with complex purchase processes, adds to the difficulty level.
Nevertheless, courageous ship owners and shipyards have built cargo system solutions with MacGregor in recent years. A good example is UASC’s 15000TEU and 19000TEU ships built already a decade ago, which still today stand among the most cargo-efficient vessels globally.
You can do it - and earn more!
Blog writer:
Arto Toivonen, Sales Manager, Lashings and Cargo Boost, MacGregor