APU Terminals (A): Putting safety on the map
APM Terminals is the operationally independent subsidiary of AP Maersk, the largest shipping company in the world. The company was created in the late 1990’s and grew, both organically and through acquisitions, from 12 to nearly 60 terminals worldwide. The industry is historically considered as dangerous and fatalities are considered an unavoidable part of “the cost of doing business”. This case looks at the first part of the 21st century and how the rapidly growing APMT attempts to bring some consistency to the safety procedures of terminals under its management in widely different cultural environments, in an attempt to bring down the number of casualties and serious injuries in the workplace. It shows the decisions that prevented the initiative from reaching the level of success that it was set up to accomplish.
To understand how an industry or company culture can affect operational issues. To recognize the shortcomings of a gradual approach in some cultural situations.
APM Terminals, Logistics and Supply Chain, Shipping
2006-2014
Cranfield University
Wharley End Beds MK43 0JR, UK
Tel +44 (0)1234 750903
Email [email protected]
Harvard Business School Publishing
60 Harvard Way, Boston MA 02163, USA
Tel (800) 545-7685 Tel (617)-783-7600
Fax (617) 783-7666
Email [email protected]
NUCB Business School
1-3-1 Nishiki Naka
Nagoya Aichi, Japan 460-0003
Tel +81 52 20 38 111
Email [email protected]
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Case reference: IMD-2681 ©2025
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