Insights Global: Reshuffling your Terminal Footprint

Insights Global’s Patrick Kulsen explores how geopolitical events prompt traders, producers and consumers to rethink their supply chain structure Recent events, like the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, were categorised as ‘highly unlikely’ just a year ago. Traders and supply chain managers are now waking up in a totally different world where past risk profiles and scenario planning exercises are unrealistic and need to be recalibrated and aligned to a new reality. The implications are immense, and the bulk liquid supply chain is finally getting its spotlight on a global stage. A New Era of Global Competition Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in 2022, we’re witnessing a new normal in global politics. Namely, the ending of the era of globalisation and the start of an era of global competition. Increasingly, the strategy of major blocks and super-powers can be typified as a ‘zero-sum’ game, where the gain of one block goes at the expense of other players. Cooperation is much more transactional and based on self-interest. Common-good issues like fighting global warming, preventing plastic waste in oceans, fighting diseases or preventing wars and conflicts are...