Jesper Alex Larsen, Managing Director of Axia Maritime, a subsidiary of OSM Thome, questions whether maritime procurement is keeping up with global change and asks could we optimise working procedures?
In a rapidly evolving maritime industry, procurement is essential for maintaining efficiency, cost effectiveness, and compliance with global regulations. As supply chains face increasing challenges – ranging from price fluctuations to sustainability demands – procurement strategies must adapt to remain competitive.
Beyond acquiring goods and services, optimising procurement involves streamlining supplier management, leveraging technology, and refining processes to enhance value and reliability. By addressing inefficiencies and embracing smarter procurement practices, I believe that maritime organisations can reduce costs, improve operations, and build a more resilient supply chain for the future.
Streamlining Suppliers and Product Catalogues
Reducing the number of suppliers can drive competitive pricing and enhance operational efficiency. By consolidating suppliers, shipowners and managers can secure better rates while simplifying procurement processes. Additionally, adopting structured product catalogues from suppliers eliminates manual encoding errors and reduces administrative workload. A standardised catalogue with predefined pricing ensures greater accuracy and faster decision-making.
Reducing Purchase Orders to Minimize Administrative Burden
Excessive purchase orders create inefficiencies, consuming valuable administrative time. Establishing a quarterly ordering system for consumable items, instead of on a per-need basis, can significantly cut down on paperwork and streamline supply chain operations. This proactive approach enhances planning and ensures vessels are well-stocked without unnecessary delays.
Enhancing IT Integration for Seamless Procurement
Robust IT integration between suppliers and buyers is essential. Platforms such as ShipServe and ProcureShip facilitate smoother transactions, providing transparency and control over procurement processes. Developing a well-integrated IT system tailored to the needs of both customers and ship managers will further enhance efficiency and data accuracy.
Optimising Freight Forwarding for Cost Savings
Freight forwarding remains a critical, yet often fragmented, aspect of procurement. Consolidating freight forwarding schedules and suppliers can significantly reduce costs. Establishing a dedicated team to oversee and coordinate freight forwarding operations ensures optimal pricing and timely delivery of goods onboard. This level of coordination eliminates redundancies and reduces costs.
ESG Considerations and the Net-Zero Transition
A sustainable procurement strategy should incorporate ESG principles. Reducing carbon footprints through optimised supply chains, enhanced logistics, and fewer shipments, can contribute to industry-wide decarbonisation. Equally important is fostering a strong culture of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) within procurement teams, ensuring fair and transparent business practices.
At Axia, we are committed to advancing maritime procurement by integrating smarter supplier management, digital innovation, and sustainable strategies. By reducing the number of suppliers, we aim to provide better value for customers, secure more competitive pricing through direct negotiations, and ensure that goods are delivered on time, to the right vessels, at the best possible price.
Axia is a leader among the marine procurement companies. Created post-merger of OSM and Thome in 2023, Axia is a Cyprus-registered company and a subsidiary of OSM Thome Group which offers expert solutions in the maritime sector.
By Jesper Alex Larsen
Managing Director of Axia Maritime
