Sea freight

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In a world where trade transcends borders, ocean freight finds itself an unshakable pillar of global trade. In this modern shipping odyssey, ports are gateways to wealth and ships are workhorses navigating the stormy seas connecting economies around the world.

Sea freight and global trade

Sea freight refers to the transportation of goods through the sea route using ships. Cargoes such as containers, bulk commodities (such as oil, coal or grain) or general cargo are moved across oceans, seas, rivers or canals. This mode of transport is one of the most important and most used for international trade. Ocean freight not only enables the efficient and economical transportation of goods on a large scale between countries, but also boosts the global economy and contributes to connectivity between nations and connectivity. This is why it is seen as the backbone of international trade. Around 70% of the total value of global trade is moved by sea and handled by ports around the world.

Main seaports

Seaports serve as essential connection points for transporting goods across oceans. The maritime and coastal freight transport sector has generated constantly growing revenues in recent years with globalization. Each port has its own characteristics and competitive advantages depending on its location, facilities and specialization. Some of the world's major seaports include:

The ports of China which largely dominate the world by occupying the first 4 ranks in the world ranking. This is the Port of Shanghai, the largest container port with 727.7 million tonnes of cargo for a traffic of approximately 47.29 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). From the port of Ningbo-Zhoushan which is in third position with traffic of more than 28 million TEUs and 1,261.3 million tonnes of goods transported in 2023. And the port of Tangshan with 768.8 million tonnes of goods.

The Port of Singapore in Singapore, in second position (after China) with traffic of 36.61 million TEUs in 2023

The Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, the largest port in Europe, which handled more than 14 million TEUs and 468 million tonnes of cargo in 2023

The port of Antwerp in Belgium is another major player in Europe. The first in Europe in the chemical field with 271 million tonnes handled and around 14 million TEU in 2023

The global economic impact of sea freight

Sea freight influences many sectors directly or indirectly through the facilitation of large-scale trade. In 2023, the world's top 20 ports will generate cumulative traffic of nearly 400 million TEUs. Shipping is responsible for around 80% of international merchandise trade, which contributes greatly to economic growth. The maritime sector generates jobs in shipbuilding, port logistics, shipping, ship maintenance, etc. Millions of jobs around the world are supported by ocean freight. Furthermore, maritime transport allows companies to access raw materials, manufacture products and export them. It is also essential for global supply chains by ensuring product availability. Compared to other modes of transporting goods, sea freight is more economical and therefore reduces costs for businesses and consumers.

Maritime transport is an essential link for international trade with economic benefits that contribute to global prosperity. Comparative examination of major ports leads us to ask which port is most strategically positioned to meet the challenges and opportunities of global maritime trade in the future, and why?

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