CIFFA Forwarder Magazine

28 THE FORWARDER | WINTER 2025 4. Shifting trade networks-demographics are a lot easier to predict- demographics will be a core driver, the U.S. trade war accelerates the economic diversification-east-west axis changes. Large carriers will increasingly rely on hub and spoke and secondary ports. 5. Undermining global “laws” of the sea-there are international agreements-this has always been troublesome but will become worse (examples are the Russian shadow fleet, U.S. withdrawal from various international agreements, China’s actions in the South China sea.) 6. AI-we are approaching the peak of the hype cycle-the more we use it, the more we will see competitive advantage rely on the quality of the people employed How do we bring in new people today? A lot of on-the-job training. How do you train new people to do complicated stuff-everyone has to think through from scratch how to train where AI has taken over? 7. Global vs. local-large shipping companies will increasingly be pressured between their owners’ desire to see the business locally and local regs. There are increasing efforts to tax global companies locally-for shipping this will place pressure on tonnage tax etc 8. People-shipping is not an attractive industry especially for attracting seafarers-work conditions need to improve or we will face significant shortages-exploitation of seafarers is still very much an element and likely will continue to be an issue. 9. Cybersecurity-this is a major issue-turbo charged by AI. Increasingly state actors are becoming actively engaged in attack activities in addition to the usual criminal activities. The threat and the risk is higher than it has ever been, requiring backup plans. 10. Which information to trust-with more and more AI generated content, can you trust government info? How to address AI generated information and video content. We need to be prepared for this information battle. Despite all the factors creating such turmoil, overall, the most precious and scare resource we have is people, Lars said. Polina Hristeva, Director – Data and Solutions, National Supply Chain Office (NSCO), presented on October 30, 2025 at the CIFFA Conference. 1. Overview The National Supply Chain Office (NSCO), established in December 2023 under Transport Canada, is Canada’s federal focal point for strengthening supply chain efficiency, fluidity, and resilience. It collaborates with industry, government, and partners to address systemic challenges across modes and sectors. 2. Evolving Global Context Geopolitical and economic shifts are redefining trade dynamics: New U.S. Administration (2025) and upcoming CUSMA renegotiation (2026). Ongoing international conflicts (Russia–Ukraine, Middle East tensions, China–U.S. rivalry). Canada’s response: Diversify trade and investment. Strengthen internal trade and infrastructure. Enhance border security and regulatory efficiency (“one project, one review”). Build national unity and resilience. 3. Implications for Supply Chains Persistent supply chain disruptions and lack of nationally consistent metrics create fragmented visibility. Need for shared data, coordination, and digital tools to tell a unified story of Canada’s reliability as a trading partner. Importance of innovative and collaborative solutions to operational challenges. 4. NSCO’s Current Work System-level analysis: Identify chokepoints and tactical solutions across modes (road, rail, marine, air). Crisis coordination: Act as a focal point during disruptions (extreme weather, work stoppages) to enable recovery and resilience. Innovation example – “Grain in the Rain” initiative: Testing inflatable canopies, quick-release ship loader attachments, and dust sensors to minimize weather-related loading delays in Vancouver. 5. Looking Forward (2025–2026) Enhance federal planning through data insights and alignment across industry and government. Advance digital tools, shared performance metrics, and system capacity mapping. Deepen collaboration with partners like CIFFA via: LinerGame simulation exercises for operational resilience. Container supply chain mapping and analysis. Quarterly Western Logistics Exchange for ongoing engagement. 6. Key Message The NSCO aims to build a more resilient, data-driven, and coordinated Canadian supply chain ecosystem—ready to adapt to global uncertainty and support national security, economic growth, and trade diversification. Driving Supply Chain Resilience and Reliability in a Shifting Global Context