Global logistics has always relied heavily on shipping. New technologies and e-commerce have increased demand for maritime transport in recent years.
FREMONT, CA: Shipping has always been integral to global logistics. As new technologies and e-commerce have emerged in recent years, maritime transit has seen a rise in demand. Shipping has become the best option to meet these new requirements.
Recent data suggests that transportation accounts for between 80 and 90 percent of international logistics. These numbers are extremely pertinent for understanding the significance of this mode of transportation.
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But why is maritime transport growing in significance? Let's examine maritime transport and all of its benefits in greater detail. Let's travel there!
The concept is simple; maritime transport refers to transporting massive cargoes by cargo ships.
Transportation began utilizing containers, which facilitated the transport of large cargoes, reduced storage costs, and improved product monitoring.
Consequently, maritime logistics is now one of the primary transportation alternatives.
Let's delve deeper into the unique characteristics of maritime transport that make it such an essential aspect of international logistics in the twenty-first century.
Consider the following characteristics of maritime transport:
Large volume: It is difficult to find other modes of transportation that can rival the vessels' high tonnage capacity. This capacity is one of maritime logistics' most significant assets.
Transportation on a global scale: Ocean freight can transport international cargo in large quantities at a reduced cost.
Versatile conveyance: There are numerous types of vessels capable of accommodating any form of cargo, allowing maritime logistics to be highly adaptable.
Competition: Despite certain exceptions, maritime transport is governed by unrestricted competition, resulting in a diverse supply.
These characteristics highlight this form of logistics' adaptability to meet any business's needs.
Maritime transportation modes
Due to the flexibility of maritime logistics, it is feasible to distinguish between various types of maritime transport. Typically, the cargo and its volume determine the varieties of maritime transport available.
Here are some of the most prevalent maritime transports utilized in this logistics:
Container ships are the most prevalent form of vessel used to transport cargo. The organization of cargo through containers allows for greater cargo volume and control.
They are enormous, contemporary, state-of-the-art vessels designed to emit zero pollutants.
General cargo vessel: This vessel type is rudimentary and does not permit the use of containers. Its most common application is transporting dry cargo. This vessel type is equipped with its cranes for loading and offloading cargo.
Bulkcarrier: They are also known as bulk carriers because they convey bulk cargo (such as minerals, fertilizers, etc.) by sea.
They are a highly adaptable mode of transportation, accommodating various products and serving multiple purposes.
Reefer vessel: As its name implies, it is refrigerated, making it ideal for transporting perishable foodstuffs.
The speed of this form of the vessel is greater than that of other vessels due to the cargo they transport. Reefer vessels are typically painted white to reflect the sun's beams as much as possible and prevent overheating.
Heavy lift cargo vessels: Specialized ships designed to transport huge cargo, widely employed in industrial applications.
Roll on—Roll off vessel: They are a form of vessel that transports cargo on wheels, such as machinery, automobiles, etc.
With expert immobilization components, vessels are designed to secure and fix this cargo.
There are numerous other categories of ships, including tankers and livestock. The vast adaptability of maritime transport facilitates the design of various types of vessels and transport modes.
