Standard logistics competencies: are they enough to operate in maritime? An explorative study

Maritime Supply Chains have some peculiar features when compared to the most widely known manufacturing ones. Market conditions, the use of vessels and the typical handling units, all contribute to requesting peculiar skills that cannot always be transferred from other sectors. In addition, the scenario is changing because of operators concentrations, digitalization, the growing size of vessels, the concerns for sustainability and resilience. In the light of these changes, it is obvious that the competencies required by the maritime logistics industry should be reviewed, rethought and re-designed for both managerial and operational positions to meet the new scenario. Aim of this paper is to start analysing logistics maritime competencies by listing and comparing them with the existing global standard of competencies for logistics. The methodology used by the authors is based on the comparison between one of the world most recognised and accepted standards of competence for logistics professionals, the ELA Qualification Framework, and the needs expressed during dedicated meetings by the Executives working for one of the top tier Companies in the maritime shipping industry.