If the typical organization of container supply chains from China to Norway
could be changed in the way described in this project proposal, this could
reduce emissions from freight transport and reduce logistics costs for
Norwegian retailers. It would also strengthen the competitive position of
maritime service providers. The key issue is to explore what it would take to
make more sea-containers go all the way from China to Norwegian retailers.
Behind the SeaConAZ project are three strong Norwegian academic
institutions with a high competence in freight transport and logistics. To
further strengthen the analysis of these international container supply chains,
five excellent European and Chinese institutions form part of the consortium.
Apart from representing the best expertise on maritime logistics, these
institutions also carry with them important networks of relevant actors for
this particular supply chain. The Norwegian institutions involved will develop
their competencies through the interaction with these highly skilled academic
international environments, and the project will also build academic capacity
through the financing of a PhD scholarship included in the proposal. The
project is also closely linked to an EU FP7 Marie Curie network project
(ENRICH). Ultimately, this building of academic quality and capacity will
benefit the end users of these competencies, i.e. Norwegian retailers and
maritime service providers.
