What are some logistical challenges affecting the supply chains?

The petrochemical industry grapples with significant sustainability challenges, emission reductions, and implementing circular economy practices. Compliance with climate change commitments, such as those made in the United Nation Conferences of Parties (COPs), is paramount for industry operations. Within logistics, chemical supply chains are confronted with various risks, some of which may not be global, but still pose substantial threats to cost, flows, and production locations.

An illustrative example is the Panama Canal, which decreased vessel draft limits due to insufficient rainfall in the Gatun Lake. Consequently, the loading capacities of vessels have been reduced, with large vessels potentially experiencing up to a 40% decrease. Labor conflicts in the USA and Canada’s West Coast have also led to challenging negotiations and terminal closures caused by strikes. Additionally, conflict regions, such as the Russian invasion impacting grain exports from Ukraine and tensions in the South China Sea ¾critical for the global container trade, pose further risk to supply chains. Although these risks may not be universal or akin to the all-encompassing impact of Covid-19, addressing them is crucial and the key challenge lies in prevention or mitigation.

How has the pandemic transformed the workforce segment?

The pandemic has transformed people’s perception and working practices, directly impacting the field of human resources. The value of leisure time and the advantages of remote work have been recognized, but the disadvantages of the lack of necessary personal interaction for teamwork have also been experienced.

The future of work appears different, and companies face the challenge of offering attractive propositions to attract and retain talent. Moreover, technological advancements are driving changes in the skills and competencies required in the future. It is likely that new generations, born in the digital era, naturally possess these skills. Thus, there is a need to adapt and acquire new skills to confront the challenges posed by the evolving work environment.

What is the importance of APLA’s logistic meeting?

APLA plays a fundamental role by providing its members with a space to gather, conduct business, and share knowledge. Over the last 25 years APLA has organized the logistics meeting, an event that brings together professionals in the field, providing them with the opportunity to attend presentations and conferences by industry experts, stay tuned to future trends, and establish contacts through networking.

The main objective of APLA is to offer a range of services that help companies to improve their operations. Collaboration can be beneficial, in addition to competition, in a world where different companies carry out similar activities. In the petrochemical industry, where hazardous products require strict regulations and controls, collaboration has led to establishing best practices, qualification systems, and transferring experiences among countries.