The situation in the Red Sea, though unique, brings to mind the lessons learned from previous supply chain disruptions, like the Suez Canal blockage. Echoing Jochen Fresse’s insights on projected capacity and equipment challenges stemming from the Red Sea shipping crisis, Christopher Braun, Head of Air Freight at Forto, discusses how multimodal Sea/Air services can be a strategic response to the current disruptions.

The best of both worlds – speed and reliability

Sea/Air, also known as multimodal transport, is a strategic logistics solution combining the cost-effectiveness of sea freight with the speed of air freight. Traditionally, this mode of transport is particularly beneficial for time-sensitive shipments where sea freight is too slow and pure air freight is too expensive. By initially moving goods via ocean to a transit point and then switching to air transport, Sea/Air solutions offer a balanced approach in terms of cost, speed, and environmental impact. But more than that, in times of crisis, multimodal can be a timely answer to supply chain bottlenecks.

Pivoting in times of crisis

Supply chain challenges derived from the current Red Sea shipping crisis need a strategic response that multimodal Sea/Air services are uniquely positioned to provide. The blend of efficiency and speed, coupled with an alternate routing that bypasses the Red Sea region, can help businesses safeguard the delivery of goods without incurring the high costs of direct air freight or the uncertainties of ocean freight. Striking this balance is crucial for preserving supply chain fluidity and meeting market demands effectively.

The Long-Term Strategic Shift

In the long term, a more open approach to multimodal Sea/Air services proposes an adaptive shift in logistics strategies where flexibility and responsiveness are key. In an environment where quick adaptation to changing scenarios is essential, these services stand out for their ability to offer reliable and flexible transportation solutions. They underscore the importance of adaptable logistics practices in overcoming complex and recurrent global trade challenges.

Sea/Air Services from Asia to Europe

Forto’s Sea/Air services from China, Vietnam and the Indian subcontinent, which include locations like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, service nearly all major European airports with an approximate transit time of 16–22 days from port to door. Our service has weekly departures and by routing through Chennai, we offer a considerably faster alternative to traditional Sea/Air solutions routed through Dubai.
This visual displays Forto's Sea/Air Routes connecting Asia to Europe through Chennai. It shows a network of routes that link major cities and ports across Asia with destinations in Europe, illustrating key logistics pathways. In Asia, notable points include: Shanghai, Hong Kong, Shekou Port, Guangzhou Port, and Vietnam in East and Southeast Asia. Dhaka in Bangladesh, Yangon in Myanmar, and Bangkok in Thailand. Karachi in Pakistan and Chennai in India, which serves as a major connecting hub between Asia and Europe. In Europe, major destinations include: Frankfurt and Warsaw, which are central hubs on the map. Other cities and ports like Paris, London, Hamburg, Bremen, Berlin, Prague, Milan, Madrid, Barcelona, Porto, and Zaragoza. Blue and green lines indicate the routes between these cities, illustrating connections via both sea and air that facilitate the flow of goods between Asia and Europe through Chennai as a strategic midpoint.

A Time Sensitive Opportunity

With the Red Sea shipping routes challenged by an ongoing conflict with no clear end in sight, these services provide an alternative to sea freight. However, disruptions affecting one mode of transport often ripple through others, suggesting that, as the Red Sea situation prolongs, capacity issues and price hikes like we are seeing on ocean freight services are expected to impact air freight as well. This underscores the urgency for shippers to consider multimodal options now, to maintain supply chain fluidity.

The Forto Advantage

Choosing Forto is partnering with an innovative, digitally advanced freight forwarder. Our multimodal services are tailored to the dynamic needs of today’s complex shipping environment, ensuring agility, reliability, and a strategic as well as sustainable approach to logistics.

For more information on how to optimize your logistics strategy with Forto’s multimodal solutions, contact us.