The TOC Podcast

Episode 11: How is the US-Israel-Iran war impacting global trade and supply chains?

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 09:45:00 +0100

This an out of the ordinary episode of the TOC PODCAST, where we are discussing with industry leader, Peter Sand, Chief analyst at Xeneta, how the attacks of the US and Israel on Iran, and the subsequent latest developments in the Middle East, are impacting maritime trade and supply chains, what the reactions of carriers have been, and what global markets might expect in the foreseeable future. So, let's talk about it.

**At the time when this episode is being recorded, it's only been 4 days since the conflict started and the situation might evolve quickly.

You can find more information about our events at www.tocworldwide.com

Episode 10: Beyond Beaches and Sun: The Potential of the Caribbean Sea to Articulate Trade

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 10:45:00 +0100

Cuando uno piensa en el Mar Caribe, lo primero que viene a la mente son vacaciones bajo el sol, pero esta región es mucho más que eso. Localizada entre América del Norte y América del Sur, el Caribe no solo conecta las dos mitades del continente sino que también sirve como la entrada para el comercio marítimo transatlántico, redistribuyéndolo hacia las Américas. Con eso en mente, el crecimiento de las Zonas Económicas Especiales (ZEEs) adyacentes al puerto sirve como un catalizador para el comercio en la región, brindando valor agregado al cliente y estimulando desarrollo económico. En este episodio, conversamos con Manuel Martínez, CEO de DP World en República Dominicana sobre los beneficios específicos de las ZEEs y los requerimientos para su implementación exitosa. Let's talk about it.

Puedes encontrar más información sobre el evento en www.tocworldwide.com

English Translation below:

When one thinks about the Caribbean Sea, one mainly thinks about the beach holidays and sun, but this region is so much more than that. Located between North and South America, the Caribbean not only connects the two halves of the continent but also serves a gateway to Trans-Atlantic cargo flows, redistributing it into the Americas. With that in mind, the growth of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) serves as a catalyst for trade in the region, bringing added value to the customer and igniting economic development. In this episode, we chat with Manuel Martínez, CEO of DP World Dominicana (in the Dominican Republic) about the benefits of SEZs, their benefits and requirements for a successful implementation. Let's talk about it.

You can find more information about the event at www.tocworldwide.com

Episode 9: How can technology optimize logistics and transportation of goods?

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0100

New technology is certainly revolutionizing the way stakeholders in the port and terminals operate, helping them in their goal to become end-to-end supply chain powerhouses. Whether it is AI, predictive analytics, or new improved TOSs, a holistic and strategic to technology implementation can be facilitate real-time visibility of the cargo and turn market volatility from a challenge into a competitive advantage. In this episode, Sangam Reddy, Group Executive Vice-President for Ports and Terminal Systems at DP WORLD, shares his views on how technology can be incorporated into daily port, terminal and logistics operations, while also emphasizing the importance of human problem-solving skills, adaptability and a curious min as the key differentiators for companies looking to fully grasp the benefits of AI and other technologies in the world of logistics.

You can find more information about TOC WORLDWIDE and its live events at www.tocworldwide.com

Episode 8: A New Container Port Performance Index by The World Bank - What is it about?

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0100

In a time when maritime trade is subject to unpredictability and disruptions, port performance is more important than ever. But how do we know what a ‘good performance’ looks like? What are the key indicators and how do we measure them? To help us understand this better, The World Bank has recently published the fifth edition of their Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), in collaboration with S&P Global Market Intelligence. The CPPI focuses on a key indicator of operational efficiency: vessel time in port and the number of containers moved. To learn more about what the findings of this report, we are joined by industry voice Jan Hoffmann, who works as Global Lead for Maritime Transport and Ports at The World Bank.

So let’s talk about it.

To access the full Container Port Performance Index(CPPI), please click here.

For further information on TOC live events, please visit:

https://www.tocworldwide.com/en/home.html

Episode 7: Beyond buzzwords, what does innovation really mean?

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 17:15:00 +0100

Este es el primer episodio del TOC PODCAST en español. En este episodio, conversamoscon Carla Grifo, Vice-Presidenta Global de Operaciones y Sistemas en DP WORLD, sobre lo que significa la innovación para DP WORLD en términos de inversión en tecnología y su integración en el día a día. Si bien Carla está a cargo de la integración de nuevas tecnologías e innovación para la mejora y optimización constante de las operaciones, señala que la innovación sin un propósito y entendimiento claro de los objetivos que se esperan conseguir, no tiene mucho sentido. Carla resalta la importancia de documentar las operaciones de manera regular para establecer métricas realistas y medibles. Y también señala que la tecnología es solamente tan buena como la persona que la ejecuta, por lo que recalca que no se debe olvidar el talento humano. Si te interesa esta conversación, podrás escuchar más al respecto en TOC AMERICAS 2025 en Ciudad de Panamá del 21 al 23 de octubre, donde Carla nos acompañará como panelista.

Puedes encontrar más información sobre el evento en www.tocworldwide.com

English Translation below:

This is the first episode of the TOC PODCAST in Spanish. In this episode, we had a chat with Carla Grifo, Global Vice-President of Operations and Systems at DP WORLD, about what innovation truly means for them in terms of investing in technology and integrating this into daily operations. While Carla oversees the integration of new technology and innovation to improve and optimize operations, she highlights the need to have a clear purpose and understanding of the objectives to achieve; otherwise, it’s pointless. Carla also highlights the need for documenting operations regularly in order to establish realistic and measurable metrics, and that any technology is only as good as the person who implements it, for which it’s key to remember and nurture human talent in the organisation. If you’re interested in the topics of this conversation, you can learn more about at TOC AMERICAS 2025 in Panama City from 21st to 23rd October, where Carla will be joining us a panellist.

You can find more information about the event at www.tocworldwide.com

Changes in Europe's port podium: Who, what and why?

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0100

The first quarter of 2025 has seen a shift in ports performance in Europe: The Port of Antwerp-Bruges handled 3.4 million TEU, registering a year-on-year increase of 4.5% and apparently dethroning the Port of Rotterdam, which recorded 3.3 million TEU, which is an increase of approximately 2.2% compared to the same period the year. This is change in the podium of European ports, however, only refers to containerized cargo. When looking at the broader scope of activities (like its oil cluster), the Port of Rotterdam remains at the top with 436 million vs. 278 million tons in total for Antwerp-Bruges). Whether this is a one-off or the beginning of a trend that might reshuffle podium of European ports, especially looking outside of the North Sea: The cargo throughput of German ports seems to be declining while Mediterranean ports are gaining momentum. To talk about these and shifts in the industry, we are joined by Senior Investments Manager at APM Terminals and vivid ports commentator on LinkedIn, Luuk de Gruijter.

So, let's talk about it.

For further information on TOC live events, please visit https://www.tocworldwide.com/en/home.html

Episode 5: TOC EUROPE 2025 - Unpacked!

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 15:45:00 +0100

TOC Europe 2025 and CSC Live brought the global container supply chain community together for three powerful days of insight, innovation, and connection in Rotterdam. With over 4,500 professionals in attendance, the event tackled everything from economic uncertainty to the cutting-edge technologies transforming cargo movement.

In this special episode, guest host Peter McLeod from the Logistics Business Conversations Podcast sits down with Mateo and Heidi from the TOC Worldwide Editorial team. Together, they reflect on the major themes from the conference sessions, share personal highlights, and provide an exclusive look ahead to TOC Europe 2026.

So, let’s talk about it.

For further information about upcoming TOC Worldwide events, please visit https://www.tocworldwide.com/en/home.html

Episode 4: Trade & Tariffs: What Happens with the Supply Chain?

Thu, 22 May 2025 14:30:00 +0100

2025 has turned out to be an eventful year for the international trade scenario.

Under its new administration, the tariffs imposed by the US to many of its commercial partners seem to be driving the world away from globalisation and moving it towards protectionism and regionalisation. Whether or not this will be a long-term trend that goes beyond Donald Trump's four years at the White House, remains unknown. What is clear for now is that trade is now being driven more by geopolitical factors than economic ones, and as such, stakeholders across the broader maritime supply chain need to bear in mind for their decision-making not just peaks in demand, new shipping trade lanes and transport-related variables, but also how international relations evolve.

In this episode of the TOC Podcast, John Manners-Bell from Transport Intelligence and James Hookham from the Global Shippers' Forum share their insights on how flows of cargo, supply chains and maritime transport can adapt to an increasingly volatile market.

So, let's talk about it.

For further information on TOC live events, please visit https://www.tocworldwide.com/en/home.html

Episode 3: What can we expect in 2025?

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 10:30:00 +0100

In 2024, the maritime industry grappled with profound uncertainty, as the Houthi attacks disrupted key shipping routes and the threat of renewed tariffs from a potential Trump presidency loomed over North American trade.

Now, with 2025 well underway, we discuss with Paul Gallie, Managing Director at PSL Advisors TOC’s theme for the year ‘Trade, Tariffs & Tensions…How do we move forward?’ reflecting on the uncertainties of 2024 and a look ahead at what the maritime industry can expect in the coming year.

So, let’s talk about it.

For further information on TOC live events, please visit https://www.tocworldwide.com/en/home.html

Episode 2: Maritime trade, Disruptions & Uncertainty

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 09:00:00 +0100

Container Shipping is increasingly subject to growing volatility & uncertainties from geopolitical events, economic instability, extreme weather events & cyber-attacks. Therefore, in times of uncertainty, the importance of building resilient supply chains has never been greater.

In this second episode, we will be delving into the ongoing trends and disruptions in maritime trade, their impact on supply chains, and the question on everyone’s mind at the moment: How will Donald Trump’s victory in the US elections affect the industry? To do so, we will be joined by Peter Sand, who works as Chief Analyst at Xeneta.

So, let’s talk about it.

For further information on TOC live events, please visit https://www.tocworldwide.com/en/home.html

Episode 1 : Sustainability at Long Beach Container Terminal

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 16:00:00 +0100

Maritime transport & port activities account for approximately 3% of global GHG emissions, and according to the 2023 UNCTAD’s report on the matter, maritime trade is expected to grow more than 2% between 2024 and 2028. While looking promising for trade, this trend also suggests an increase in GHG emissions. What can port authorities, terminal operators, shipping lines, cargo owners and other stakeholders within maritime supply chains do to ‘fight back’?

In this first episode, we will be looking at what terminal operators can do, how they can decarbonize their daily operations, work in tandem with their supply chain partners, and the potential business growth opportunities that lay ‘hidden’ within the energy transition. To do so, we will be joined by Bonnie Nixon, PhD, who works as ESG & Sustainability Director at Long Beach Container Terminal in the US.

So, let’s talk about it.

For further information on TOC live events, please visit https://www.tocworldwide.com/en/home.html