What to expect in 2025 – 3 supply chain tech trends

In the rapidly evolving landscape of global logistics, understanding the future requires more than speculation—it demands direct insight from those shaping the industry. As part of Maersk Growth's ongoing mission to explore and anticipate technological disruption, we sat down with Ashish Saxena, Senior VP of Supply Chain, Transportation, and E-commerce at Maersk, for an exclusive deep dive into the technological trends that will define supply chains in 2025. As we approach the new year, the global supply chain industry stands at a pivotal crossroads, shaped by technological breakthroughs, geopolitical shifts, and evolving consumer demands. Here are the trends that we observe:

1. Further Advancements in AI: Artificial intelligence’s role proved to be a game-changer in 2024. "We now have ample proof points where we have successfully applied generative AI in supply chain decision-making," Ashish explains, with notable advancements in forecasting, capacity planning, and pricing optimization. Generative AI is no longer a futuristic concept, but a present-day reality reshaping multiple facets of logistics. From warehousing to transportation, and across supply chain management, artificial intelligence is creating unprecedented opportunities for innovation. "We're witnessing the early stages of a technological revolution," he shared, and the potential is clear: as generative AI becomes more sophisticated, supply chains will evolve from reactive systems to predictive, intelligent networks. A significant leap in AI capabilities is to be expected. "Generative AI will be a game-changer," he says, emphasizing Maersk's commitment to integrating advanced technologies across transportation and warehousing. Supply chains won't just track and respond—they'll predict, adapt, and optimize in real-time. Robotics and Automation: The past year has been a testament to the critical role of robotics in addressing industry challenges. Labor shortages, port strikes, and transportation disruptions have accelerated Maersk's commitment to automation. "We're not just investing in technology," he emphasizes, "we're investing in resilience." Maersk's approach goes beyond mere technological adoption and has been testing autonomous trucks and developing robotic solutions that promise to revolutionize ground freight and land operations. "Companies are looking for solutions that drive efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness," he shares, highlighting the global appetite for innovative logistics technologies. From Asia to North America, the demand for automated solutions is growing. As he sees it, this is just the beginning of a transformative journey that will reshape how we think about logistics and transportation.
2. Multi-Channel Order Management: The world of e-commerce order management is in constant flux, and Ashish's description revealed a landscape of continuous adaptation: "Asian companies, particularly from China, have been driving unprecedented international expansion." E-commerce Platforms have had to adapt rapidly, with trends shifting almost quarterly. "Geopolitical risks and tariffs are reshaping the marketplace," Ashish explains, highlighting a fascinating shift back towards domestic marketplaces. Chinese companies are now focusing on local marketplaces, challenging established retail players. "We're in a period of experimentation," he adds, "learning and adapting in real-time." The future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: flexibility and innovation are the keys to success in this dynamic environment. A significant shift is expected in domestic markets, particularly in North America. New tariffs and regulations will boost ground freight, with a focus on faster, more reliable delivery solutions. "We're developing more connected, tech-driven networks," he emphasizes, "moving beyond traditional logistics models."
3. Platform Business Models: Another trend to consider is the balance in the market. “The current market is a delicate balance of regional challenges and opportunities. "Europe continues to wrestle with recessionary pressures, while China's market has stabilized at a more modest growth rate. "Southeast Asia is emerging as a vibrant market," Ashish notes, "and North America remains resilient despite inflationary challenges." If macroeconomic trends continue as we have seen in 2024, most of our customers will maintain a consistent approach. "They're laser-focused on visibility, action, cost efficiency, and timely inventory availability". For Maersk, this means a relentless commitment to platform and technological excellence. "We're not just maintaining our infrastructure; we're continuously improving it," he emphasizes. Maersk has dramatically reduced its market adaptation time from months to mere weeks; "Our ocean team has been exceptional in reconfiguring networks, and we’re doing the same across ground freight, e-commerce, and air freight", highlighting the growing agility. While Ashish doesn't anticipate radical new platform business models, he sees continuous improvement as the key. "We aim to do the job better for our customers within existing models. Our goal is to become more agile, technologically advanced, and customer centric."

Maersk Growth: Bridging Innovation and Logistics

Beyond the immediate technological advances, Maersk Growth sees a profound transformation of global logistics ecosystems. "We're witnessing a fundamental shift from traditional supply chains to intelligent, adaptive networks," says, Olivia Lyng, Maersk Growth’s Insights Strategist. From AI-driven platforms to autonomous mobility solutions, Maersk Growth is actively identifying and partnering with startups that are pushing the boundaries of logistics innovation.

"I see more and more partnership opportunities in the transportation industry," Ashish adds, highlighting the critical role of external innovation. Our approach goes beyond traditional investment – we're creating a collaborative ecosystem that accelerates technological transformation. Our strategic partnerships with supply chain startups are designed to rapidly test and integrate cutting-edge technologies. Whether it's a startup developing advanced AI for network optimization or an innovative approach to last-mile delivery, we're committed to turning technological potential into operational reality. For Maersk, this isn't just about staying ahead – it's about actively shaping the future of logistics.

More about Maersk Growth

Maersk Growth is the global partner for external innovation at A.P. Moller - Maersk on a mission to digitise, democratise, and decarbonise supply chains, investing in and partnering with promising startups to support new business models and technologies. Learn more here.