Research pick: Ship-shape alliances - "The role of strategic alliances in logistics performance of container shipping and transport firms"

Research in the International Journal of Shipping and Transport Logistics has examined how strategic alliances can boost the operational efficiency of container shipping and transport companies. Mpuon Joseph Akam, Eze Felix John, Odigbo Benedict Ejikeme, Joseph A. Anyadighibe, Eyo Itam Eyo, Enuoh Rebecca Oliver, and Samuel Etim Ndem of the University of Calabar, Nigeria, surveyed more than 505 management employees across more than companies in Nigeria and found that partnerships between shipping firms were able to transform logistics performance to the benefit of the businesses and their customers.

Strategic alliances are collaborative arrangements where firms work together toward shared goals while retaining their independence. These partnerships are increasingly seen as essential in the global shipping industry, which faces multiple complex logistics challenges. The new empirical work fills a gap in our knowledge of how such collaborations directly impact the day-to-day operations of shipping companies. The team found that alliances allowed companies to pool resources, spread risk, and build on each other’s expertise to enhance service delivery and streamline operations.

The study identified two types of alliance: collaborative and cooperative. In a collaborative alliance, the focus is on flexibility and adaptability, whereas in a cooperative alliance, the partners prioritize building trust and commitment. Both approaches can work well to improve the overall efficiency of operations by reducing internal conflicts and fostering an environment where all parties benefit.

Logistics processes such as container loading, unloading, and transportation scheduling are among the areas that can benefit the most from strategic partnerships. Improved collaboration leads to more reliable deliveries, better vessel scheduling, and fewer delays due to port congestion. Such improvements then translate into more reliable and cost-effective services for customers.

Akam, M.J., John, E.F., Ejikeme, O.B., Anyadighibe, J.A., Eyo, E.I., Oliver, E.R. and Ndem, S.E. (2024) ‘The role of strategic alliances in logistics performance of container shipping and transport firms’, Int. J. Shipping and Transport Logistics, Vol. 19, Nos. 2/3, pp.353–390.