The Baltic Dry Shipping Index, regarded as an insight into the state of world trade, has fallen to an all-time low.
The index, which measures shipping rates for everything from coal to ore to grains, fell to 504 points on Thursday, the lowest data from the London-based Baltic Exchange going back to 1984.
According to Port Technology, at a similar time last year the Baltic Dry Shipping Index was at 1,296, meaning the strength of the market has been halved.
What does this mean for the world’s ports?
That now, more than ever, a port needs to prove it is an efficient and effective link in the supply chain, or risk being overlooked for competition with greater productivity.
So how can a port achieve this without a large capital outlay?
A Terminal Operating System (TOS) is more affordable and produces a faster return on investment than dredging or purchasing infrastructure (cranes, straddle carriers, heavy machinery), it poses less financial risk to these alternatives, and allows your port to find efficiencies across your entire operation.
Jade Logistics’ TOS, Master Terminal solves the complex problem of managing containers and mixed cargo. Ideal for growing, ambitious ports, Master Terminal helps you compete hard for a shipper’s business, no matter who you are up against.
