Importance of Maritime Transport

Maritime transport accounts for about 80 percent of world trade. This is not surprising given the economic advantages of maritime transport and the wide geographical scope of global trade. A wide range of products such as oil, natural gas, agricultural products, automobiles and electronic devices pass through ports around the world and reach consumers.

Advantages of Maritime Transport

  1. Economic Efficiency: The capacity to carry large amounts of cargo makes maritime transport one of the lowest cost transportation methods per unit. This is a significant advantage, especially when transporting heavy and bulky cargo.

    Capacity and Diversity: Maritime transport offers flexibility for container transport, bulk cargo transport, tank transport and many other specialized types of transport. This diversity allows for the safe and efficient transportation of different types of goods.

    Environmental Sustainability: In terms of carbon emissions per ton-kilometer, maritime transport has a lower environmental impact than other modes of transport. This makes maritime transport a more environmentally friendly option.

Problems of Maritime Transport

  • Time Factor: Sea transportation may require longer time than other transportation methods. This can be a disadvantage, especially for products with high time sensitivity

  • Weather and Sea Conditions: Sea voyages can be affected by natural factors such as storms, bad weather conditions and sea waves. This can lead to delays in delivery times and even damage to the cargo.

  • Customs and Port Procedures: Port procedures and customs controls in sea transportation can slow down the transportation process and create additional costs. These processes can be time-consuming to manage, especially in busy ports.

  • Marine Pollution and Environmental Impacts: Marine pollution caused by ship fuels can have negative effects on ecosystems. In addition, pollutants such as chemicals and oil spilled into the sea in the event of ship accidents can lead to major environmental disasters.