Customer Success Story: DHL Industrial Projects and Esgian Shipping
The past three years have been strong for global RoRo carriers, but the landscape is shifting fast. At Esgian, we’re excited to hear how our clients, like DHL Industrial Projects, leverage our tools for success. As a global leader in project logistics, DHL Industrial Projects specializes in handling complex, small- to large-scale cargo with a strong focus on safety, reliability, and efficiency.
With Jan Wehr as Global Head of RoRo Shipments and a valued Esgian client, we look forward to exploring how the Esgian Shipping Suite supports him and his team—today and in the future.
(Jan Wehr, Global Head of RoRo Shipments)
Can you share a bit about your background and role at DHL Industrial Projects?
Jan: With 14 years in RoRo shipping, I’ve worked in breakbulk sales and key accounts for major car manufacturers. Now, at DHL Industrial Projects, I handle all things RoRo globally—rate assessments, market analysis, and carrier relationships. We manage diverse cargo, from cars and trucks to heavy machinery and military equipment, always seeking the best fit for RoRo.
What insights are crucial for serving your clients, and how does Esgian help?
Jan: The RoRo market is constantly shifting, with carriers entering and exiting trade lanes. Esgian simplifies this complexity, providing real-time data on carriers, routes, ports, and vessels. It allows us to quickly answer key questions on frequency, transit times, CO₂ impact, and vessel tracking—ensuring fast, informed decisions.
What are the key Esgian features you rely on most?
Jan: The Service Level page is a must-have. Identifying port pair options, carrier reliability, and trade lane trends at a glance is a game changer. For project logistics, Esgian provides critical insights into crisis management—who’s still transiting Suez? Which carriers handled Panama’s low water levels? How is port congestion impacting lead times? These answers drive efficiency in our operations.
How have market dynamics shifted in the past 6-9 months?
Jan: The RoRo capacity crunch from 2021 is easing. Since Q3 last year, charter rates have fallen, carriers are seeking cargo again, and new vessel deliveries are adding capacity. With 70+ vessels on order and older ships retiring, the market is shifting from a carrier’s market to a forwarder’s market.
How do you see COâ‚‚ emission reduction in the industry?
Jan: It’s not discussed as much as it should be, but I always raise the topic with customers and carriers. Some clients set CO₂ limits, and carriers invest in fuel efficiency and biofuels, but cost still drives most B2B decisions. Esgian is helping bridge this gap by making CO₂ visibility easier, paving the way for emissions to become a standard factor in transport decisions—just like airlines already do.
What’s the biggest value of Esgian for your role?
Jan: As DHL’s dedicated RoRo specialist, a tool focused solely on RoRo is a game changer. Esgian is my go-to for market analysis, streamlining research and decision-making. While other tools exist, they take far more time—Esgian provides a one-stop shop for fast, reliable insights.
Thank you for your time! We’re delighted to have a proactive, forward-thinking client like DHL Industrial Projects onboard. We look forward to ongoing collaboration, refining our tool to deliver even greater value—today and in the future.
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