Due to increased focus on the overall improvement and optimisation of logistics chains, the scope of the maritime transport context has greatly increased. Industrial value chains are inter-organisational constructions that have to meet and handle a wide range of challenges with respect to establishment, operation and adaptation in an uncertain and changing environment. Being able to offer logistics services that cover the complete maritime logistics chain, including planning, control, management, improvement and optimization, brings new areas of opportunities, e.g. better control of resources and interfaces, but also increased risks and vulnerabilities.

These developments within maritime logistics, increasing the scope of work and responsibility accepted by shipping companies in value chains, introducing new sources of risks and vulnerabilities will require the development of new knowledge and competence within the shipping industry. Key questions to be asked when defining the need for competence development in this area of shipping are:

• Do we understand the sources and mechanisms of the vulnerabilities and risks in maritime logistics chains in its widest sense?
• Do we have the ability to analyze vulnerability and risk scenarios and the likelihood and consequences of these scenarios in the maritime logistics chain?
• Do we possess the appropriate measures, capacities and the ability to manage and mitigate vulnerabilities and risks in the extended maritime logistics contexts?