Introduction: shippers, carriers and the other participants in maritime business --
a clear need for better relationships; PART ONE The maritime container transportation chain (MCTC); 01 Global container trade --
the past and the future; Introduction; The scope of globalization of markets; Container shipping; Trade routes; Container logistics and global production networks --
global trends; Conclusion; References; 02 The maritime container transportation chain (MCTC); Introduction; The participants. Shipper and consigneeShipping lines; Port operators; Equipment owner; Sea freight forwarders; The network; Global shipping networks; Ports; Container ships; Special considerations; Information and communication technology; Sustainability; Safety and security; Conclusion; References; 03 History and usage of containers in logistics and beyond; History of containerization; Converted container --
the hidden life of a sea container; Concluding remarks; References; PART TWO The effective management of the MCTC; 04 Empty container logistics --
a prospective local approach in the Port of Hamburg. IntroductionThe Port of Hamburg --
development and challenges; Empty container logistics; Regional structures in sea traffic; Stakeholders in the empty container transport chain; The current process of empty container logistics; The idea; The software behind it; What partners will achieve with the project; Project status and the way forward; Cost structure in empty container logistics business; Conclusion; References; 05 Port and terminal operations; Introduction; Container terminal optimization; Finding the right strategy for container terminal optimization; References. 06 Multimodal transport of mining equipment from Germany to KazakhstanIntroduction; Intermodal/multimodal transport concept; Import of mining equipment and infrastructure development; Analysis; Discussion; Conclusion; References; 07 Cooperation and collaboration between shipping lines; Introduction; Fundamentals of cooperation --
assets and trading; Cooperation in practice; Cooperation and mergers and acquisitions; Conclusion; 08 Collaboration in the container shipping industry --
new technologies enabling collaboration between shipping lines and terminals. Introduction: why collaboration in the container shipping industry?Why stowage collaboration?; What technology is available to facilitate collaboration?; Conclusion: how can collaboration benefit other supply chain stakeholders?; References; PART THREE The integration of the MCTC into global supply chain management; 09 Global SCM and resulting shippers' requirements; Introduction; Global supply chain management; Logistics processes; Procurement processes: transport procurement; Planning processes; Shippers' requirements; Conclusion; References; Best practice examples.

Understand the role of the container in the supply chain, and the systems and methods needed to ensure the efficient movement of goods.