One of the most exclusive events on the European logistics calendar, Maersk’s Supply Chain Management Forum recently came under the spotlight in Copenhagen, with almost 200 attendees from across the continent descending on Maersk Headquarters for a day of insightful discussions, debates, and networking opportunities.
The central theme of the 2025 SCM Forum – which underpinned every session of the day – was ‘From Uncertainty to Opportunity: How European Businesses Can Achieve Growth Amid Supply Chain Volatility’.
In other words, disruption is nothing new across global supply chains and something companies around the world are now accustomed to. As such, the overwhelming desire from Maersk customers is to continue growing despite the uncertainty around them.
The day started with an official welcome from host and Maersk Europe President, Aymeric Chandavoine, before Head of Trans Suez Network, Sebastian Von Hayn, delivered an update on the Gemini East-West Network and its performance so far.
The ‘Reliability in Reality’ session then took centre stage, with representatives from Kingfisher and Barilla giving their insights as to what supply chain reliability truly means to them, their real-life experience of Gemini, and what improved ocean reliability could unlock in the long run.
Attendees requested insights on global tariffs and how to manage them effectively, and Lars Karlsson (Maersk Global Head of Trade and Customs Consulting) explained how being proactive rather than reactive in the face of tariffs and wider customs challenges is the best approach for growth.
Tariffs have undoubtedly had their impact on the global economy, which Copenhagen Business School Professor of Finance, Jesper Rangvid, detailed and forecasted before outlining the knock-on impact for global supply chains.
Customers from Pfizer, Electrolux, and Primark then sat down to discuss their own responses to disruption and the steps they’ve found most effective when tackling adversity, before futurologist and trend-spotter Magnus Lindkvist closed proceedings by analysing the mindset behind business growth.
Heading into the event, the message from European businesses was clear: growth remains a priority despite ongoing turbulence. Come the end of the day, the insightful sessions, discussions and camaraderie with peers, and the sharing of best practices gave attendees the perfect platform from which to build and tackle supply chain challenges in the most effective way possible.