In times of complex global challenges, companies are increasingly relying on cooperation and strategic alliances, as the following examples show. But why is this? Dr Lisa Schleker, a business psychologist from Bremen, explains why, arguing that the mammoth task of sustainable transformation can only be achieved together, particularly in the maritime industry and logistics.
“You need strong partnerships if you want to operate sustainably.”
Dr. Lisa Schleker, Business psychologist
Example 1: “Gemini Cooperation”
In February, shipping companies Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk began their new cooperation under the name “Gemini Cooperation”. Since then, both companies have been offering joint liner services that use larger container ships than before, but with fewer ports of call. Instead, the boxes are distributed from several hubs using smaller ships. The partners hope that this alliance will enable their ships to be more punctual than previously. Experts also see this type of cooperation as an opportunity to reduce costs and expand their own services. When the Gemini Cooperation launched, Hapag-Lloyd CEO Rolf Habben Jansen predicted that the overall impact on cargo volumes for German ports would be positive. Plus, some containers that were previously handled in the western ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam will be routed via the hubs of Bremerhaven and Wilhelmshaven. Noteworthy is that the NTB terminal in Bremerhaven is owned equally by the operators EUROGATE and Maersk, while Hapag-Lloyd has a 30 per cent stake in the operations of the EUROGATE terminal in Wilhelmshaven.
“We all have to work together to showcase the strengths of our local ports.”
Ronald Schwarze, Head Marketing at bremenports
Example 2: “German Ports”
The umbrella brand “German Ports” is backed by the organisations responsible for port location marketing in the federal coastal states of Bremen, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein. Together, they have long been cooperating in the planning and appearance at selected trade fairs on the international stage. “This marketing cooperation works very well,” says Ronald Schwarze, Head of Marketing at bremenports. “Particularly on the international stage, it makes sense to present a united front to make it clear that Germany has a port for every need. Ultimately, we all have to work together to showcase the strengths of our local ports to international competitors.” Schwarze believes that the first joint port evening event for the North German seaports in June 2022 in Berlin, and a similar event planned for September this year, are just the first steps on the road to closer cooperation. “Ultimately, we all have a common interest – we must work to strengthen the German seaports as a whole. That sounds very simple but sometimes it isn’t because, at the end of the day, there’s clearly also competition among the German ports,” says Schwarze. “I’d like to see the common interest come to the fore more often and more clearly in this context,” he adds. “There’s still room for improvement.”
“Cooperation between German seaports is more important today than ever.”
Jessica Wegener, Managing Director MCN
Example 3: Maritime Cluster Northern Germany
In 2011, the states of Hamburg, Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein united to form the Maritime Cluster Northern Germany (MCN), with Bremen and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania joining in 2014. The network now has more than 350 members from the worlds of business, science and politics. “The MCN is a prime example of how cooperation can be successfully implemented,” explains Jessica Wegener, MCN Managing Director. “We work together across state borders, our activities focus on the entire maritime industry, and we’re also closely linked with other partners beyond the industry, for example in the aviation and renewable energy sectors.” She sees cooperation between all parties involved as essential, especially considering the current geopolitical challenges, the digital transformation and the climate crisis.
“We all have a common, overarching goal – to increase the competitiveness of the maritime industry in an international context,” she adds. “Open, honest and transparent communication on equal terms is key to achieving this. Mutual trust is the basis for opening up and jointly promoting innovations in a targeted and efficient manner.” She continues: “Cooperation between German seaports is more important today than ever. Around 60 per cent of our exports and a high degree of raw material imports are transported by sea or waterway. This means that the German economy depends to a high degree on our seaports functioning seamlessly. Meaningful exchanges and close cooperation on security issues to protect ports and their infrastructure is therefore one of many aspects we’ve got to tackle together.” (bre) (bre)
