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ISSA and Ship Supply News
Hutton's: Offshore sector needs strong partner

to overcome supply problems

A

s the offshore sector expands internationally Challenges in remote maritime sectors can include

and new areas of operation come on stream in confusing communication, problems with quality
hard- to-reach parts of the world, the task of conformance, bewildering bureaucracy, poor pricing,

obtaining quality produce and spare parts has become frustrating logistics and the struggle to identify
ever more challenging.acceptable local suppliers.

Distance, time zones, local customs and bureaucracy,Outlining some of the problems that sometimes
and the lack of availability of familiar products can cause occur in West Africa, Mr Taylor advised delegates that

a headache for purchasing managers attempting to keep he had heard of sudden price increases after orders had
their crew and vessels well supplied with the food and been placed, bribes or false invoicing and even had

goods they need.reports of bush meat (elephant) being supplied as an
alternative to beef.That’s where an experienced ship supplier able to

manage local purchasing and provide effective logistical Hutton’s Group has considerable experience in

support comes to the fore, according to Alex Taylor, supplying the offshore sector in West Africa and has an
Managing Director of leading UK and international ship established supply network with competent personnel

supplier Hutton’s Group.who understand the needs and expectations of
Western-headquartered companies.Discussing the unique challenges of Remote Area

Supply Chains during the OSV Singapore Summit (19th and “We know how to source products locally which
20th November), Mr Taylor said: “However much meet European quality standards and we are able to

experience you have with traditional supply chains in respond quickly and efficiently through our local
developed markets, the fact is that remote areas require a networks to meet just-in-time expectations,” Mr

different approach to overcome their particular problems.”Taylor explained. u