SDN List
The SDN (Specially Designated Nationals And Blocked Persons) list is OFAC’s list of individuals and companies whose assets are blocked and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from dealing with.
SHIP Act
What is the SHIP Act? The Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum Act (SHIP Act) was enacted as part of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for the 2024 Fiscal Year. It aims to impose sanctions on foreign individuals and entities involved in the trade of petroleum and petroleum products originating in Iran. It specifically targets the shadow fleet…
Sanctions Compliance
What is Sanctions Compliance? Sanctions compliance from a maritime perspective involves ensuring that shippers adhere to and comply with all international sanctions. They can take various forms, including trade embargoes, asset freezes, travel bans, and other economic measures. Businesses and organizations in the maritime industry that work with foreign entities need to be particularly careful…
Sanctions Screening
What is sanctions screening? Sanctions screening is the process of checking whether an individual or entity is listed on a sanctions list, or watchlist. These lists are compiled by governments and recognized international organizations to identify individuals or entities subject to financial sanctions, or other restrictions, as a result of their actions or associations. Working…
Security Teams
What is a Security Team in the Maritime Industry? A security team in the maritime industry is a specialized group tasked with ensuring the safety and security of vessels, crews, and cargo in maritime environments. They work for a variety of organizations and are essential in the planning and execution of commercial shipments that traverse…
Shadow Fleet
What is the Shadow Fleet? The shadow fleet, also known as the dark fleet (see below), refers to a group of vessels engaged in deceptive shipping practices (DSPs), particularly in relation to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. Windward’s Maritime AI™ platform has identified a three-tiered system of vessels to paint a more accurate…
Ship-to-Ship (STS) Meetings
When two ships meet at sea. The encounter might be for fueling, transshipments of cargo such as oil or fish, to change crew, let a pilot on board, and more.
Shipment Tracking
What is Shipment Tracking? Shipment tracking refers to the process of monitoring and tracing the movement of cargo or goods during the shipping process. By utilizing advanced tracking technologies such as AI, stakeholders can obtain real-time information about the location and status of freights. Shipment Tracking’s Essential Role in the Maritime Industry Shipment tracking plays…
Shipment Visibility
What is Shipment Visibility? Shipment visibility is the capability to track and oversee the progress of goods as they journey through the supply chain, from the initial point of departure to their ultimate destination. It involves accessing up-to-the-minute information on the whereabouts, condition, and expected arrival time of shipments, enabling all involved parties to stay…
Shipping Contracts
What Are Shipping Contracts? Shipping contracts are legal agreements between parties involved in the transportation of goods from one location to another. These contracts outline the terms, conditions, and responsibilities of each party to ensure the successful and secure delivery of goods. They are common in industries like manufacturing, retail, and e-commerce. They are vital…
Shipping Costs
What Are Shipping Costs? Shipping costs refer to the expenses incurred in moving goods via sea. These costs include fuel, port fees, container handling, insurance, and customs duties. Factors like the cargo’s weight and size, shipping distance, and the efficiency of trade routes impact the total cost. Regional differences in port charges and regulations can…
Shipping Delays
Why Shipping Delays Occur & How to Improve ETAs “Visibility is critical to the supply chain. Knowing your shipment is delayed is a necessity, but knowing why your shipment was delayed further empowers customers to take action, save costs, and minimize the business impact of delays,” according to Ami Daniel, CEO and Co-Founder of Windward….
Shipping Management
What is Shipping Management? Shipping management is a set of practices that encompass the comprehensive coordination of vessel operations, cargo handling, logistics, compliance, and resource allocation to guarantee the efficient and secure transportation of goods by sea. This strategic oversight enables shippers to streamline the movement of goods, optimize logistics, mitigate risks, and ensure on-time…
Shipping Manifest
What is a Shipping Manifest? A shipping manifest is a document that provides a comprehensive list of the items loaded onto a vessel for transport. It serves as a legal record of the ship’s cargo and is used for customs clearance, port operations, and tracking shipments throughout the transportation process. The manifest ensures accuracy, accountability,…
Shipping Routes
What Are Shipping Routes? Shipping routes are established paths used by cargo vessels to transport goods across the globe efficiently. These routes connect major ports and trade hubs, often following natural waterways, such as oceans and seas, while considering economic and geopolitical factors. They are essential to the supply chain, enabling the movement of raw…
Smart Data
What is Smart Data? Smart data refers to data that is filtered, processed, and analyzed to be actionable and relevant for decision-making. Unlike raw unstructured data, which can be overwhelming and difficult to interpret, smart data is refined to provide meaningful insights, improve efficiency, and drive strategic actions. It often leverages advanced analytics, AI, and…
Standard Operating Procedure
What is a Standard Operating Procedure? In supply chain and logistics, standard operating procedure (SOP) is a detailed protocol outlining the necessary steps to be taken during routine operations and when exceptions or unpredicted events occur. It is a guideline to ensure consistency, efficiency, and compliance across all supply chain processes. When unexpected events arise,…
Storage Fee
What Is a Storage Fee? A storage fee in global shipping is a charge imposed by ports, warehouses, or shipping companies when cargo remains at a storage facility beyond the allowed free period. This fee covers the cost of space and handling, while incentivizing timely collection and preventing congestion. Storage fees vary by location, type…
Supply Chain Disruptions
What Are Supply Chain Disruptions? Supply chain disruptions refer to unexpected events or factors that cause a delay in the flow of goods. These disruptions can occur at any stage of the supply chain, from raw material sourcing to delivery of finished products to consumers. Disruptions have a significant impact on the overall efficiency and…
Supply Chain KPIs
What are Supply Chain KPIs? Supply chain key performance indicators (KPIs) are used by logistics service providers and shipping companies to assess the efficiency, effectiveness, and overall performance of their maritime operations. These metrics provide valuable insights into various aspects of the maritime supply chain, including vessel utilization, port efficiency, cargo handling, and overall cost…
Supply Chain Management System
What is Supply Chain Management? Supply chain management is the oversight and management of the entire production flow of goods and services, from raw materials, to the delivery of the final product to the consumer. It encompasses the planning and management of all activities involved in sourcing, procurement, conversion, and logistics. Supply chain management also…
Supply Chain Resilience
What is Supply Chain Resilience? Supply chain resilience is the ability of a company’s supply chain to adapt and recover quickly from unexpected disruptions. It involves having backup plans, flexible strategies, and strong relationships with suppliers to ensure that products can still be delivered to customers, even when challenges arise. Supply chain resilience helps companies…
Supply Chain Risk Management
What is Supply Chain Risk Management? Supply chain risk management (SCRM) involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that could disrupt the supply chain, particularly those associated with the transportation of goods by sea. It focuses on understanding and managing factors such as geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, port congestion, and compliance with international regulations that can…
Supply Chain Visibility
What is Supply Chain Visibility? Supply chain visibility is the ability to track every part of the supply chain journey. Modern-day supply chains are extremely complex and difficult to track, with a diverse supplier network around the world. Supply chain visibility is critical for logistics professionals, freight forwarders, and any organization that needs to track…
Support Fleets and Forced Labor
Support Fleets and Forced Labor in IUU Fishing Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a growing problem that occurs around the world, and is used to assert regional dominance. Vessels, crews, and companies use support fleets to bring over fishermen, often migrant workers, and coerce them into assisting with illegal fishing under harsh conditions….