Shipping is a key and integral part of the supply chain for much of the industry.
It is very difficult to understand the circle of life of world trade without bringing shipping into the equation.
The growing trend of sea transport has been a constant and ever-increasing trend. Above all, from the early 1990s to the present day, maritime transport has become one of the main basic players in the transport of goods.
The data show a truly enlightening reality: according to the latest studies and calculations, it is estimated that the majority of goods, around 80%, are transported by sea.
This is not a coincidence, the majority use of maritime transport is due to a series of qualities and characteristics that bring many benefits and advantages to companies.
However, it is also possible to point out disadvantages associated with the use of this type of transport.
Next, let’s take a brief look at the advantages and disadvantages of maritime transport, the most commonly used means of transporting goods.
Advantages of maritime transport
Maritime transport defines the transportation of cargo by sea. An indispensable part of cross-border trade, it allows massive amounts of cargo to be shipped efficiently.
Maritime transport is a means of transport capable of offering a service with great advantages to companies.
First, let’s focus on these key advantages that make shipping by sea one of the most used options by millions of companies around the world
Cheaper rates
There is no doubt that the main factor for any service contracting is directed to its cost. In the case of maritime transport, its price is much cheaper than, for example, transport by rail or air.
One of the main reasons for the much lower price is related to the maintenance cost of shipping. This is much cheaper compared to other types of transportation.
This makes the final price of maritime transport much more attractive than other alternatives.
Ideal for large volumes of goods
The very morphology of the maritime transport service makes it possible to transport large volume cargoes much more easily than other means of transport. In fact, sea transport is the best option for loading large volumes of goods.
Bulky products such as automobile parts, machinery, industrial parts… are easily transported by this means.
Key to foreign trade
Maritime transport has a longer tradition and history, connecting different international markets for decades.
Foreign trade is highly dependent on sea transport, which has drawn and planned the most important and effective trade routes in the world.
Green and sustainable transportation
In today’s increasingly environmentally conscious world, shipping is a key player.
Ships have a minimal carbon footprint, as they consume less fuel than, for example, airplanes.
For those companies wishing to reaffirm their sustainability plan, the use of maritime transport is their main choice.
Maximum efficiency
One of the great qualities and advantages of maritime transport lies in its enormous efficiency.
The ability to be organized by containers is one of its most outstanding features, which allows it to adapt to any type of shipment and goods. Achieving high levels of efficiency in their shipments.
Security
The ships are designed to transport all types of goods with maximum safety. The management and security protocols are very detailed, guaranteeing safe transportation.
From start to finish, safety is the focal point for carrying out the life cycle of cargo loading by sea. Incidents have been drastically reduced in recent decades, proving that it is one of the safest means of transportation available.
As you have been able to see, maritime transport offers serious advantages for the transport of goods for all types of companies.
Its own qualities make maritime transport a truly advantageous option. However, it is also possible to list a series of disadvantages that describe this means of transport.
Disadvantages of maritime transport
Having listed the advantages, it remains to emphasize some concepts related to sea transport that can be considered as disadvantages.
Slow speed
This is a fairly obvious issue. Ocean freight is more time-consuming and is ideal for those items that have a long lead time.
At this point, air transport has a major advantage.
Lack of infrastructure
It is important to bear in mind that some parts of the world do not have the capacity or infrastructure to receive large cargo ships, and may minimize the number of destinations.
When is shipping the best option?
Companies select shipping when they are able to align themselves with the advantages it offers.
The need to ship large loads or heavy products, lower transportation costs and enormous urgency are key factors that lead companies to use ocean freight.
In fact, maritime transport is often combined in a company’s logistics, with a high percentage of shipments being sent by sea and a smaller number of shipments by other means.
There is no doubt that maritime transportation is a fundamental factor in the international trade and market, necessary to carry out the business strategies of today’s companies.
