Virtual Partners

Collaborative Solutions for Practical Problems

Global Trade Lanes and Supply Chain Security

The Global Economy is an interconnected web involving physical goods, support services and information flows. As more nations are integrated into this commercial network, efficiency, agility and adaptability become key requirements. However, the tighter integration and interdependency of global supply chains make them very vulnerable to disruption and threaten the national security of all nations.

“In today’s economy, the oceans have increased importance, allowing all countries to participate in the global marketplace. More than 80 percent of the world’s trade travels by water and forges a global maritime link. About half the world’s trade by value, and 90 percent of the general cargo, are transported in containers. Shipping is the heart of the global economy, but it is vulnerable to attack in two key areas.

• Spread across Asia, North America, and Europe are 30 megaports / cities that constitute the world’s primary, interdependent trading web.
  
  
• Through a handful of international straits and canals pass 75 percent of the world’s maritime trade and half its daily oil consumption.

International commerce is at risk in the major trading hubs as well as at a handful of strategic chokepoints.”