Our Way 1
VINJETT TEXT PHILIP STOCKENHED PHOTO HAMPUS HAGST
EDT/FÖRSVARSMAKTEN need to see joint efforts between navies and the commercial sector and dare to think outside the box.” A key area of collaboration is on strategic sealift capacity, where commercial partners can provide complementary ship capacity in support of both military and civilian logistics. Several Swedish-flagged vessels within the Wallenius fleet could be of significant value. “Ice-classed RoRo vessels could be of particular value to the Swedish Armed Forces, in transporting troops and equipment.” ”Now, more than ever, we must strengthen the dialogue between the navies of free and open countries and commercial shipping” says Charlotte Kleberg. A call for unity and cooperation at sea How can we protect vital trade and strengthen critical supply chains in a world facing growing uncertainties? Cooperation between commercial shipping and the Navy is key to securing trade routes and critical supply chains. T he targeting of commercial shipping in the Red Sea has shattered the illusion of safe sea transport and significantly challenged freedom of navigation, disrupting a vital maritime trade corridor. This raises important questions as to the effectiveness of naval protection: how can we secure seagoing trade? SWEDEN FACES CRITICAL vulnerabilities in logistical supply chains, transport and sea - lift capacity. Private sector capabilities must be leveraged through strategic partnerships and collaboration to complement a military capability. Advantages include, but are not limited to, merchant vessels, logistics expertise, infrastructure and operational control, says Charlotte Kleberg, Associate Fellow at the Royal Navy Strategic Studies Centre (RNSSC) and Council on Geostrategy. “Now, more than ever, we must strengthen the dialogue between the navies of free and open countries and commercial shipping. We share many interests and challenges, including ensuring resilient critical supply chains.” THE UK, AN island nation with a global naval force, shares this challenge and needs to find ways to expand their collaboration with commercial shipping to protect trade, secure complementary sealift capacity, and ensure scalability. While the Swedish Navy’s primary role has traditionally been coastal defence and sea denial, a contested maritime security environment calls for increased naval protection and necessary levels of sea control, including sophisticated air defences and escorts. As security concerns grow, so does the need to increase cooperation. “Because vital shipping must operate without disruptions, we SKILLS AVAILABILITY IS also a critical consideration and shared challenge. Charlotte previously served as a junior analyst in RAND Europe’s Defence and Security team, where, alongside her colleagues, she conducted a study assessing maritime skills on the River Clyde. It became clear that the naval and shipping community share the challenge of skills shortages and must find ways to attract and retain talent by making career pathways more appealing. SOYA GROUP IS committed to contributing to the benefit of society, recognizing the importance of partnerships. This extends to the importance of securing supply chains and transport capacity as part of Sweden’s total defence effort. “With decades of logistics expertise and capacity, Soya Group can support military and civilian readiness through a wholesystem approach. Establishing long-term contracts is an efficient way to ensure access to capacity.” “While there are existing partnerships with shipping companies and civilian logistics firms, these need to be strengthened and expanded. This needs to be established in peacetime to ensure swift activation in the event of a crisis or conflict. It is not possible to scramble to organise everything at the last minute, everything must be in place—‘ready to go’. Regular exercises, joint planning, and thorough preparations are necessary to ensure a prompt response when required.” AS CHARLOTTE EMPHASIZES, a willingness on behalf of defence (and navies) to engage with commercial stakeholders is crucial to this effort as maritime security relies on the combined strength of naval and commercial capabilities. Charlotte Kleberg Associate Fellow Royal Navy Strategic Studies Centre & Council on Geostrategy “In Sweden, the concept of total defence already recognizes the need for civil-military cooperation. Now it is a matter of putting it into practice.” OUR WAY 1/2025 13