Logistics flow disruptions through the Suez Canal: enhancing supply chain risk management and resilience

The study examines the Suez Canal’s crucial role in global supply chains and the consequences of its disruptions, focusing particularly on the 2021 ship blockage and the escalation of the Red Sea conflict from 2023. It investigates these events from a supply chain resilience perspective, exploring risk mitigation strategies and responses to arising risks. The methodology includes an extensive literature review on Suez Canal disruptions and their cascading, global effects. Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with six raw material procurement planners from a European multinational production company, responsible for managing goods flow from North America and Asia-Pacific to Europe. The interviews and a dedicated workshop were transcribed and thematically analysed using NVivo software. Findings offer valuable insights into the effects of disruptions on global supply chains, highlighting significant delays in supplier awareness of critical global events, and emphasizing the importance of effective communication, continuous risk management, and maintaining safety stocks. The study also identifies lessons from past disruptions, suggesting strategies to enhance supply chain visibility, diversifying transportation routes, while promoting the importance of sustainability, and strengthening supplier relationships. This research addresses a critical logistics topic by focusing on the 2023–2024 Red Sea conflict and aims to bridge a gap in the existing literature regarding supply chain resilience and risk management related to Suez Canal disruptions. By incorporating firsthand industry experiences, the study offers original, practical insights for mitigating the impact of such disruptions on global supply chain operations.