Ocean Shipping Facts: Key Findings
- Over 80% of the volume of international trade in goods is carried by sea
- The global market for cargo shipping was estimated at 10.8 billion metric tons in 2022, and is projected to reach 12.5 billion metric tons by 2030.
- The global cargo shipping market size was valued at $2.2 trillion in 2021, and is projected to reach $4.2 trillion by 2031.
- Some 11 billion tons of goods are transported by ship each year.
- Ocean Shipping represents 2.9% of total greenhouse emissions.
- Maritime vessels account for 40% of U.S. international trade value.
- 76 percent of all trade involves some form of marine transportation.
Source: (UNCTAD, Globe Newswire, PR Newswire, International Chamber of Shipping, OECD, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, NOAA.)
Maritime Trade Rules: Over 80% of Global Goods Volume Shipped by Sea
Important takeaway:
| Maritime transport dominates global trade | The figure indicates sea freight’s crucial role in international trade. |
| Potential for maritime sector investment | Given the sea freight’s dominance, there’s potential for returns on investment. |
| Sustainability measures are critical | The sea freight volume calls for environmentally sound practices. |
| High demand for maritime infrastructure | Such volume requires well-maintained ports and shipping infrastructure. |
The data suggesting that over 80% of international trade volume is carried by sea underlines the critical role of maritime transport in global commerce, hinting at investment opportunities, the need for sustainable practices, and robust shipping infrastructure.
Source: UNCTAD
Cargo Shipping Market to Reach 12.5 Billion Metric Tons by 2030
Important takeaway:
| Cargo shipping market is growing | The projection indicates a trend of increasing global cargo shipments. |
| High demand for logistics services | Rising volume suggests escalating need for efficient logistics solutions. |
| Infrastructure needs to scale up | To accommodate the growth, robust and scalable infrastructure is crucial. |
| Sustainability efforts should intensify | With growing volumes, sustainable practices become even more important. |
The estimated growth in the global cargo shipping market from 2022 to 2030 implies an increasing demand for logistics services, a necessity for scalable infrastructure, and an urgent need to amplify sustainability efforts in the industry.
Source: Globe Newswire
Global Cargo Shipping Valued at $2.2 Trillion in 2021, Set to Double by 2031
Important takeaway:
| Cargo shipping market is expanding | The projection indicates substantial market growth over the decade. |
| High return on investment potential | The increasing market size suggests promising investment opportunities. |
| Demand for shipping services will rise | The market growth implies escalating need for diverse shipping services. |
| Sustainability challenges will grow | The market expansion will necessitate more rigorous sustainability practices. |
The projected growth of the global cargo shipping market from $2.2 trillion in 2021 to $4.2 trillion by 2031 indicates an expanding market with potential investment opportunities, increased demand for shipping services, and an intensifying need for sustainable practices.
Source: PR Newswire
Maritime Powerhouse: 11 Billion Tons of Goods Shipped Annually
Important takeaway:
| Maritime transport is key in global logistics | This massive volume highlights the importance of sea freight. |
| Significant investment potential in shipping | Such a high volume implies promising returns for shipping investments. |
| Sustainability is a crucial consideration | The sheer volume transported requires environmentally responsible practices. |
| Maritime infrastructure is critically important | Such volume underlines the need for well-maintained port and shipping infrastructure. |
The transport of 11 billion tons of goods by ship annually emphasizes the pivotal role of maritime transport in global logistics, suggesting significant investment opportunities, the need for sustainability, and the importance of robust maritime infrastructure.
Source: International Chamber of Shipping
Ocean Shipping Responsible for 2.9% of Global Greenhouse Emissions
Important takeaway:
| Ocean shipping contributes to emissions | This indicates the industry’s impact on global greenhouse gas emissions. |
| Sustainability efforts in shipping are needed | Given its contribution, reducing shipping emissions is essential. |
| Potential for green innovation in shipping | The data suggests room for emission-reducing innovations. |
| Regulatory attention may increase | The contribution might prompt stricter regulations in the sector. |
The data that ocean shipping contributes 2.9% to total greenhouse emissions signifies its environmental impact, necessitating sustainability efforts, encouraging green innovation, and potentially attracting increased regulatory attention.
Source: OECD
Maritime Vessels Carry 40% of U.S. International Trade Value
Important takeaway:
| Maritime trade is crucial for the U.S. | The data highlights the significant role of sea freight in U.S. international trade. |
| Investment potential in maritime sector | Given its share, there’s potential for returns on maritime investments. |
| Need for robust maritime infrastructure | Such high contribution requires efficient and well-maintained ports. |
| Sustainability considerations in maritime sector | High value underscores the sector’s need for environmentally sound practices. |
The data that maritime vessels account for 40% of U.S. international trade value accentuates the critical role of sea freight, suggesting potential for maritime investments, a requirement for robust infrastructure, and the urgency for sustainable maritime practices.
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics
Marine Transportation Pivotal in 76% of All Global Trade
Important takeaway:
| Maritime transport dominates global trade | The data emphasizes the vital role of sea freight in international commerce. |
| Substantial investment potential in shipping | High reliance on marine transportation suggests promising investment returns. |
| Marine infrastructure is critically important | The substantial percentage necessitates robust maritime infrastructure. |
| Urgency for sustainability in marine sector | Given its prominence, sustainable practices are crucial in this sector. |
The fact that 76% of all trade involves some form of marine transportation highlights the crucial role of maritime transport in global commerce, potential for investments, the importance of robust marine infrastructure, and the necessity for sustainable practices in this sector.
Source: NOAA
