The importance of getting the supply chain right for the cruise ship industry

Today’s cruise ships are massive floating cities that offer passengers a luxurious way to travel to various destinations around the world. However, the logistics of managing such a complex operation are intricate and require meticulous planning and execution. This includes the sourcing of supplies, such as food, fuel, marine goods, equipment, and medical supplies that are required to be loaded onto the ship in the home port before departure.

Avion Australia has expertise in the logistics of the cruise ship industry and the procedures required to keep these massive vessels running smoothly. From optimising the IT systems used in the supply chain, to delivering inbound supplies, coordinating goods for turnaround days, and emergency resupplies, Avion’s dedicated and modern 3PL warehousing allows the optimisation of space, resources, and labour. This in turn allows goods to be moved to and from cruise ships in the most efficient way.

Our Cruise Line Logistics team understands the strictness of turnaround day, and all the items that must happen in the right order for the process to run efficiently. Our staff undertakes rigorous cross-checking of documents while our team of experienced Customs Brokers ensures a smooth customs clearance process. This all contributes to a quick turnaround, which is vital for the cruise industry as the amount of time a ship spends in port directly impacts the cruise line’s revenue. By minimising the time spent in port, cruise lines can increase the number of sailings and maximise revenue.

Avion Australia works closely with our local, regional, and international partners to coordinate the transport of goods via air, sea and road to ensure they arrive on time, according to the plan. Flexible and reliable suppliers are highly valued as they contribute to smooth supply chain logistics, especially when it comes to meeting urgent and timely supply chain requests. Our understanding of the requirements of different ports around the world has resulted in working with partners who share our values of ensuring literal smooth sailing.

Avion’s Import and Export Sea Freight Team, and Customs Brokerage Team, work with network partners to minimise delays and ensure all goods are handled with care at every step through the supply chain.

Using a vast range of digital tools provides synchronisation of all touchpoints of the logistics supply chain. Thanks to our global network and the use of advanced IT systems, EDI and API integration, Avion is able to offer its customers Purchase Order (PO) management, End-to-End Visibility and Global Tracking on all shipping flows. This involves monitoring every single item, from production to final delivery, at the destination warehouse.

The complete digitalisation and monitoring of each shipment phase and Purchase Order allows our international customers to constantly check their shipment and organise the management of warehouse stocks in advance. This in turn reduces transport costs and allows optimisation of supply chain management. Avion’s procedures, including warehouse mapping and bar coding, product reporting and cargo manifesting, ensures cruise lines always know where their supplies are.

Valter Aiello, Avion Australia’s State Manager (NSW/QLD/NT/ACT) said Avion has demonstrated their expertise to clients by providing cost-effective logistics solutions while ensuring regulatory compliance and on-time delivery for cruise ships.

“We understand that on-time deliveries are essential to the success of any business, particularly in the cruise industry where timely delivery of food, beverage, hospitality, technical, and marine products is critical to ensuring a satisfactory customer experience.

“The importance of on-time deliveries is particularly significant in industries where time-sensitive goods are involved, such as perishable food items or medical supplies. In these cases, a delay in delivery can have serious consequences, such as spoilage or loss of efficacy of the product.”

Mr Aiello says that Avion works hard to ensure the cruise ship logistics supply chain is a well-oiled machine that results in efficiency and cost-effective outcomes.

“We use a combination of technology, procedures, and effective communication with both suppliers and clients to ensure transparency at every step of the journey,” he says.

“By using advanced logistics software and real-time tracking tools, we provide accurate delivery estimates and can quickly identify and resolve any issues that arise.”

Avion Australia’s global logistics expertise makes us the ideal partner for cruise lines looking to optimise their operations and streamline their supply chain management while reducing costs, and increasing customer satisfaction.

If you would like more information please contact us.