Redefining Supply Chain Resilience: How OEMs are Adapting to Shifts in Global Trade

OEMs serving the maritime and offshore industries are grappling with rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and more complex customs procedures. Protectionist measures, escalating tariffs, and geopolitical instability have made centralized manufacturing  where a single site serves global markets increasingly difficult to sustain. Faced with rising inefficiencies, extended lead times, and escalating costs, OEMs are being forced to reevaluate their supply chain strategies to ensure part availability for their customers.

How can OEMs maintain part availability when global supply chains become increasingly challenging to navigate? In response to economic shifts, many OEMs are exploring a more localized or decentralized model, but is this easier said than done?

Localized Manufacturing: Opportunities and Challenges

However, adopting on-demand manufacturing is not without its challenges. Onboarding new manufacturing suppliers requires careful consideration to ensure they meet the strict quality control requirements of the OEM. New suppliers must be thoroughly vetted, and control measures must be implemented to ensure high-quality parts are consistently delivered according to industry standards. Additionally, a secure method to share intellectual property (IP) between OEMs and suppliers must be established to prevent theft of sensitive material.

Introducing these capabilities in-house can be a daunting task for an OEM, requiring substantial resource investment over several years before the benefits of on-demand manufacturing can be fully realized.

Rather than investing heavily in building in-house capabilities or onboarding suppliers around the world, many OEMs are turning to third-party partners specialized in on-demand manufacturing to enable localized manufacturing.

Evaluating Potential Partners

• Secure Digital Inventory Solutions – A robust platform that protects intellectual property while enabling seamless and on-demand production. 

• Vetted Manufacturing Network – A trusted ecosystem of certified suppliers that meet the highest industry standards for quality, liability, and IP security. 

• Guaranteed Quality & Compliance – Manufacturing partners that adhere to strict quality requirements, ensuring that every part produced aligns with OEM specifications. 

• Customer-Centric Support – A provider that strengthens OEM relationships with asset operators by ensuring continuity of service and product availability. 

By partnering with a provider that meets these criteria, OEMs can maintain control over their supply chain, mitigate risks associated with trade tariffs, and reinforce their position as reliable, innovative suppliers in the industry.

Shifting trade policies could be a moment of opportunity to build agility and resilience into operational processes for OEMs.