Executive summary
- Britain faces critical vulnerabilities in its logistical supply chains and sealift capacity. Force sustainment is threatened by a limited and ageing government-controlled sealift capacity, a declining military useful merchant fleet, and an overreliance on ad hoc charters.
- British decision makers often overlook the role of commercial shipping in military logistics, despite historical precedents. While commercial solutions should not replace government-controlled sealift capacity, it can be a valuable complementary resource when demand for sea transport increases rapidly.
- To ensure effective sealift and fleet readiness, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) should assess fleet requirements, secure long-term commercial partnerships to fill capacity gaps, improve coordination and proactive planning, and incentivise national shipping to guarantee logistical support for future operations.
About the author
Charlotte Kleberg is an Associate Fellow at the Council on Geostrategy. She holds various project and board advisory roles in the Ro-Ro shipping sector through Wallenius Lines, Wallenius Marine, and United European Car Carriers. Charlotte also works part time as a junior analyst in RAND Europe’s Defence and Security team and is an Associate Fellow of the Royal Navy Strategic Studies Centre. Her views are her own and do not represent those of the above organisations.
Disclaimer
This publication should not be considered in any way to constitute advice. It is for knowledge and educational purposes only. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Council on Geostrategy or the views of its Advisory Council.
Image credit: Merchant Vessel Hartland Point Carrying Military Equipment During Cougar 12, Ministry of Defence, Crown Copyright
No. 2024/37 | ISBN: 978-1-914441-90-5