An essential infrastructure for international trade. Maritime transport is today the backbone of the global economy.

Maritime transport is now the backbone of the global economy.

More than 80% of international trade is carried out by sea, making it the most strategic mode of transport for the movement of goods globally. We observe that this dominance is not a matter of chance, but the result of a combination of economic, logistical, and geographical factors that greatly favor commercial shipping.

The oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth's surface, providing natural routes that connect continents and international markets. Thanks to this vast natural infrastructure, merchant ships can transport considerable volumes of goods over long distances at a relatively low cost. This unique capacity explains why the world's major economies rely heavily on international shipping routes for their imports and exports.

Ports, logistics terminals, and maritime corridors form an interconnected global network that ensures the smooth flow of trade. We see thousands of ships transporting energy, food, industrial, and technological products to international markets every day.

Unrivaled transport capacity

One of the main reasons why maritime transport dominates world trade lies in its exceptional carrying capacity. A single container ship can transport several thousand containers, representing millions of tons of goods.

Unlike air or road transport, ships can transport:

• bulk raw materials (ore, coal, cereals)
• energy products (crude oil, liquefied natural gas)
• manufactured goods (electronics, textiles, automobiles)
• agricultural and food products

Today, some giant ships can carry more than 24,000 containers, which represents a level of logistical efficiency impossible to achieve by other means of transport.

Today, some giant ships can carry more than 24,000 containers, which represents a level of logistical efficiency impossible to achieve by other means of transport.

A particularly competitive transport cost

Maritime transport remains the most economical mode of transport for long distances. The cost per ton transported is significantly lower than that of air freight. This competitiveness can be explained by several factors:

• the large loading capacity of ships
•  Optimizing shipping routes
•  the reduction of energy cost per unit transported
•  the economies of scale associated with giant ships

We observe that for exporting companies, maritime transport makes it possible to significantly reducelogistics costs, which promotes the expansion of international trade.

Major global supply chains rely on this economic efficiency to maintain competitive prices in international markets.

For example, transporting a container over several thousand kilometers by ship can cost several times less than by plane, even if the delivery time is longer.

Un pilier des chaînes d’approvisionnement mondiales

Major global industries rely heavily on maritime transport to ensure the smooth operation of their supply chains. We observe that many strategic sectors depend on maritime flows:

•  the automotive industry
•  the production of electronic equipment
•  the energy industry
• the agri-food sector
•  construction and raw materials

International companies today are adopting globalized production strategies, where components are manufactured in different countries before being assembled elsewhere. Maritime transport connects these different stages of production, ensuring a constant flow of goods between continents.

Thus, a large part of the products we use daily – smartphones, clothes, household appliances or vehicles – have travelled thousands of kilometers by sea before arriving in local markets.

Strategic maritime routes of world trade

Maritime trade relies on key international shipping routes that connect the world's major economic zones. These maritime corridors facilitate the rapid passage of ships between continents and play a strategic role in global economic connectivity and the smooth flow of international trade.

Among the most important areas, we find:

• the routes linking Asia to Europe
• transpacific trade between Asia and North America
• the routes linking the Middle East to global energy markets
• maritime corridors linking Africa to international markets

These routes allow major economic powers to maintain a constant flow of goods. International ports also play a central role by serving as major logistics platforms for the regional distribution of products.

Modern port hubs have advanced infrastructure that accelerates the loading, storage and redistribution of goods.

Constant technological evolution

The maritime sector is undergoing a major technological transformation. Innovations are improving the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of maritime transport.

Among the most significant advances, we observe:

•  port terminal automation
•  the use of intelligent navigation systems
•  Optimizing roads using digital data
•  l’amélioration de l’efficacité énergétique des navires

Shipping companies are also investing in greener ships, capable of reducing carbon emissions and fuel consumption. This transition to more sustainable maritime transport is becoming a major issue for the future of global trade.

The digitalization of supply chains also allows for better traceability of goods, offering companies complete visibility into their commercial flows.

An engine of global economic development

Maritime transport plays a fundamental role in the economic development of countries.

Emerging economies are heavily dependent on exports to support their growth, and access to international shipping routes is a strategic advantage.

Countries with efficient ports can:

•  attract more foreign investment
•  develop their export industries
•  strengthen their position in global trade
•  create jobs in the logistics and industrial sectors

Modern port infrastructure thus helps to stimulate regional economic activity and facilitate the integration of countries into international trade networks.

Future prospects for maritime transport

Maritime transport continues to evolve to support the growth of international trade and the increase in exchanges between different regions of the world. Investments in port infrastructure, digital technologies, and next-generation vessels are constantly improving the efficiency of global supply chains.

Modern ports are developing increasingly efficient terminals capable of accommodating giant ships and handling ever-increasing volumes of goods. This modernization strengthens the flow of international trade and supports global economic growth.

Furthermore, technological innovation opens up new perspectives for the maritime sector. The integration of digital solutions, advanced navigation systems, and more efficient energy technologies contributes to making maritime transport ever more efficient and sustainable.

Thanks to these developments, maritime transport will continue to play a central role in the connectivity of global markets and in the development of international trade.

An essential pillar of the global economy

Maritime transport will continue to play a central role in the global economy for decades to come. Its ability to transport enormous volumes of goods at low cost makes it an indispensable tool for international trade.

With the increase in the world's population, urbanization, and growth in trade, the demand for maritime transport is expected to continue to rise. Technological innovations and environmental initiatives will enable this sector to adapt to the new demands of global trade.

Thus, maritime transport remains today the silent engine of world trade, linking economies, facilitating exchanges and supporting economic growth on a planetary scale.