Skou: more tech and automation for APMT

Speaking at Singapore Maritime Week, the Maersk boss, who is also chief executive of its Transport & Logistics division, the business unit that includes APMT, said that the operator will “make a transformation” whereby it will implement new standards, to “achieve operational savings, operational excellence and cost leadership”.

“The less time we spend on [handling] the transhipment box, clearly the better,” Mr Skou said during his speech.

He added that Maersk Line remained mindful that 50% or more of APMT’s business is with other clients.

Therefore the global port operator needs to continue its focus on attracting, retaining and improving business with all of its customers through good productivity, trustworthy services, keeping its promises and offering a robust customer experience, he said.

Mr Skou added that Maersk’s operation of about 75 terminals worldwide was something that the company could build on as an advantage as “part of an end-to-end offering capability in a competitive network”.

“The location of terminals and especially the hubs and the productivity that they have plays a significant role in our industry. As we have expanded ships’ sizes, port stays have become longer and transit times have increased,” he said.

He concluded that container terminals are the second-largest cost item for carriers and that processes therefore need to be improved.