The International Marine Purchasing Association (IMPA) and the Akilis Network, which is a leader in risk management and supply chain performance, have achieved a strategic collaboration. This partnership, designed to improve cooperation in the marine supply chain, aims to enhance sustainability, transparency, and responsiveness to stakeholder expectations in this industry.
History and Goals of IMPA
The International Marine Purchasing Association, established in 1978, is recognized as a leading organization in marine purchasing and supply. This association represents over 1000 ship owners, ship managers, and marine suppliers from more than 90 countries. IMPA promotes best practices, professional development, responsible sourcing, and increased collaboration in the marine supply chain.
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Through this collaboration, IMPA and Akilis are exploring opportunities that could assist the Akilis Network. This network is a collaborative initiative that helps shipping companies and their suppliers move towards carbon reduction, improved supply chain transparency, and responsiveness to stakeholder expectations.
Benefits of Collaboration for IMPA Members
This collaboration allows IMPA members to familiarize themselves with the Akilis Network and participate as suppliers or purchasing organizations. This will help create a more cohesive approach to supplier assessment and responsible sourcing. IMPA members will also have access to discounts and periodic offers that assist with risk management and compliance activities.
In the complex and changing world of the supply chain, marine organizations are under increasing pressure to understand their supplier base and respond quickly to emerging issues. This collaboration enables IMPA members to benefit from information on approved suppliers from Akilis and examine how collaborative approaches to accuracy can reduce information duplication and improve transparency.
Stuart Villar, Head of Collaborations at Akilis, stated: “The marine supply chain still faces challenges with managing heterogeneous suppliers, and organizations often repeat accuracies. Our collaboration with IMPA is an important step towards a more cohesive and collaborative approach.”
Steven Alexander from IMPA also added: “Our members operate at the heart of the marine supply chain and understand the importance of having reliable and consistent information in purchasing decisions and suppliers. This collaboration will help us access a broader community of buyers and suppliers.”
This collaboration comes at a time when the maritime sector faces a complex risk environment, and organizations must balance operational resilience with cost pressures. IMPA and Akilis hope to create greater efficiency and transparency in the marine supply chain by encouraging dialogue between buyers and suppliers and sharing approaches with suppliers.
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