The State of Logistics – an interview with Shipping Director Stef Kluiters

Reliability in sea freight

If Stef had to describe today’s short sea freight market in three words, he describes it as reliable, competitive, and environmentally friendly. While deep sea shipping can be influenced by global political tensions and shifting trade policies, short sea routes offer the chance to be more predictable. That stability allows ColliCare to plan with confidence and customers in mind. At the same time, competition remains strong. For logistics providers, this means that reliability, high service quality, and operational expertise make all the difference. 

Shifts in the logistics market

Stef explains that the logistics environment in Rotterdam has evolved significantly in recent years. One of the most visible shifts, he highlights, is the growing move from road transport to sea freight. Rising regulatory requirements, driver shortages, and increasing road costs are encouraging companies to reconsider how to move goods, and ColliCare is turning to sea transport as a more efficient and sustainable alternative.  

Simultaneously, the market itself is consolidating. Larger logistics providers are expanding while smaller players face increasing pressure from global disruptions, including the pandemic, energy price fluctuations, and geopolitical tensions. In this setting, communication, flexibility, and strong networks are more important than ever, and ColliCare aims to be the niche logistics provider that can offer the customers that full package. 

For ColliCare, reliability and full supply chain visibility are central priorities. "We work with a broad network of shipping lines across multiple countries, allowing customers to benefit from consistent schedules and dependable delivery times". This reliability is especially important when transporting essential goods, from food products to everyday consumer items, where timing directly affects supply availability. However, Stef elaborates, that the role of ColliCare goes beyond transport alone. The focus is on complete door-to-door logistics solutions, managing the entire journey from arrival in the port to final delivery. This includes unloading, customs clearance, cross docking, and distribution throughout the Baltics, the Nordics, UK, and Europe. By coordinating every stage of the process, ColliCare helps clients maintain control, transparency, and efficiency across their supply chains. Via this strategy, ColliCare can offer reliable transport solutions, even in times of uncertainty.

The future of logistics

What will transport look in the future? Stef explains that he is seeing increasing interests in sea freight solutions, driven by both environmental awareness and improved service reliability. With more shipping options available and better scheduling flexibility, companies can align transport more closely with production and delivery needs. Sustainability is also shaping the industry’s direction. New vessel technologies, alternative fuels, and evolving regulations are gradually transforming how goods are transported, and logistics providers are adapting alongside these changes.

In the coming years, Stef expects continued growth in sea-based transport and further investment in efficient logistics models. One example is the expansion of intermodal transport, where trailers move independently between countries and are handled locally at each end. This approach improves planning efficiency, reduces empty kilometres, and supports environmental goals. These digital innovations drive modern logistics. At ColliCare, AI-supported planning tools optimise transport and combined with advanced track-and-trace systems, customers can follow their shipments in real time, increasing transparency and allowing supply chains to be managed more proactively. However, the future of logistics will not depend on technology alone. One of the sector’s biggest long-term challenges is attracting and retaining skilled operational staff, from drivers to terminal workers. Because without motivated professionals on the ground, even the most advanced supply chains cannot function effectively, it all comes down to the people. 

Logistics may often operate behind the scenes, but it remains essential to everyday life, connecting businesses, markets, and consumers across borders. For ColliCare, this means continuing to develop reliable, integrated logistics solutions that help clients navigate a complex arena with confidence, today and in the years ahead.