Maritime transport plays a key role in global trade, providing the most cost-effective way to transport large quantities of goods over long distances. Over 80% of world trade is carried by sea, making maritime transport an indispensable part of the international economy. Discover the benefits, types and key factors of maritime transport in this article.
What is maritime transport?
Definition and importance of maritime transport
Maritime transport refers to the movement of goods and raw materials by ship via natural waterways. Key features include:
- Low transportation costs.
- Large capacity for transporting cargo.
- Environmental efficiency compared to other forms of transport.
Types of maritime transport
Coastal and overseas transport
- Coastal transport:
- The transfer of goods between parts of the same country or neighboring regions.
- Ideal for bulky, heavy and inexpensive loads.
- Overseas transport:
- Liner ships with regular schedules and routes.
- Tramp ships for seasonal and bulky cargo.
- Tankers for transporting liquid cargoes such as oil and gas.
Sea transportation costs
Pricing criteria
- Type and weight of cargo.
- Container size (FCL or LCL).
- Destination location and duration of transportation.
Supplements to the basic freight rate
The price of sea transport depends on:
- THC (Terminal Handling Charges): A fee for handling cargo at the port.
- BAF (Fuel Adjustment Factor): Compensation for fuel price fluctuations.
- CAF (Currency Adjustment Factor): For exchange rate differences due to different currencies.
Advantages of maritime transport
- Low price:
- The cheapest way for large quantities of cargo.
- Reduces overall business costs.
- Large capacities:
- Ideal for bulky and oversized loads.
- Suitable for building materials, machinery and equipment.
- Security:
- Minimal risk of accidents.
- Closed containers protect cargo from damage.
- Environmental friendliness:
- Lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to other forms of transport.
Disadvantages of maritime transport
- Slower transport:
- Not suitable for urgent shipments.
- Delivery may take several weeks.
- Influence of weather conditions:
- Delays due to bad weather or lost containers.
- Required documentation:
- Complex requirements for customs clearance and port entry.
Maritime transport in international trade
Economy and efficiency
Maritime transport enables the transport of large quantities of goods at the lowest costs. Developed networks of waterways and terminals ensure efficient global connectivity.
Environmental sustainability
Thanks to its minimal CO2 emissions per unit of cargo, maritime transport is key to a sustainable future for international transport.
Conclusion
Maritime transport remains the foundation of global trade due to its cost-effectiveness, large capacity and environmental friendliness.
