Maritime transport is one of the oldest and most widely used methods of moving goods worldwide. With over 80% of global trade being conducted via sea, it is recognized as one of the key pillars of international transportation. International maritime transport remains the preferred method for transporting large cargoes due to its high capacity, cost-effectiveness, and the variety of goods it can handle. This article will explore the concept of maritime transport, its advantages and disadvantages, the types of cargo ships, and the factors related to this industry.

What is Maritime Transport?

International maritime transport refers to the movement of goods from one port to another via seas and oceans. This method of transport is one of the pillars of global trade, primarily used for transporting bulk and heavy cargo. Maritime transport, through various types of cargo ships, can move a wide range of goods such as raw materials, agricultural products, perishables, and even chemicals. Today, large international companies like Jahan Tarabar operate in the maritime transport industry, organizing, managing, and facilitating the movement of goods on a global scale.

Advantages of Maritime Cargo Transport

Maritime transport, as one of the primary methods of moving goods, offers several advantages that make it a preferred choice for international trade. Here are some key benefits:

1. High Capacity and Transport of Bulk Cargo
   Maritime shipping, due to the large size and high capacity of cargo ships, is capable of transporting very bulky and heavy goods. This is particularly useful for the transportation of raw materials such as oil, iron ore, and coal.
2. Cost-Effective and Economical
   Due to its high efficiency and large carrying capacity, maritime transport is one of the most cost-effective methods for international trade. Fuel and labor costs are lower compared to air or road transport, making it an ideal choice for moving large quantities of goods.
3. Ability to Transport a Variety of Goods
   One of the standout advantages of maritime transport is its ability to carry a wide range of goods, from agricultural products and perishable items to chemicals and hazardous materials. Goods can be safely transported in specialized containers, adhering to safety and hygiene standards.
4. Lower Environmental Impact Compared to Air Transport
   Maritime transport, in comparison to other methods, especially air transport, has a lower environmental impact in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. Ships, due to their large capacity, can move substantial amounts of cargo with lower energy consumption.
5. Access to Multiple Sea Routes
   Unlike other methods that require specific infrastructure such as roads or railways, maritime transport can utilize various sea routes and provide access to multiple ports, offering more flexibility in trade logistics.

Disadvantages of Maritime Transport

Despite its many advantages, maritime transport also has limitations and drawbacks that should be considered. Some of the disadvantages include:

1. Slow Speed Compared to Air Transport
   One of the biggest disadvantages of maritime transport is its slow speed. Shipping goods by sea can take weeks or even months. Therefore, this method is not suitable for goods that require fast delivery.
2. Impact of Weather Conditions on Performance
   Weather conditions, such as storms and high waves, can cause delays or even halt maritime transport. This issue is more noticeable during seasons with unfavorable weather.
3. High Ancillary Costs
   Although the direct cost of maritime transport is low, ancillary costs such as storage at ports, loading and unloading, insurance, and customs fees can be high, which may increase the overall cost of shipping.
4. Security Risks
   Maritime transport may be subject to risks such as piracy, maritime accidents, and damage to cargo. Although new technologies and security measures have reduced these risks, they still need to be taken into account.
5. Need for Comprehensive and Adequate Insurance
   Insurance is crucial in maritime transport because of the potential for damage to cargo due to maritime accidents or unfavorable weather conditions. These insurance policies can incur significant costs.

Features of the Maritime Shipping Industry

The maritime shipping industry is recognized for its unique features and structures. Given its significant role in transporting bulk and international goods, the industry requires complex organization and management. Below are some of the key characteristics of this industry:

1. Extensive Network of International Ports
   The maritime shipping industry operates through a wide network of international ports and waterways. Major ports worldwide act as distribution and transfer points for goods and play a vital role in the global supply chain.
2. Use of Advanced Technologies
   In recent years, the industry has increasingly adopted advanced technologies. From smart ships and cargo management systems to fuel optimization and environmental impact reduction, the maritime shipping industry aims to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
3. Integration with Other Transportation Industries
   Maritime shipping is often combined with other modes of transport, such as rail, road, and air, in multimodal transport. This combination helps optimize cargo movement and reduce delivery time.
4. Diversity in Types of Cargo Ships
   The industry includes various types of ships, each designed for specific types of cargo. From container ships for packaged goods to bulk carriers for raw materials and oil tankers for transporting petroleum products, each vessel plays a unique role in the sector.

Types of Goods Permitted for International Maritime Transport

Due to its high flexibility, maritime transport can handle a wide variety of goods. Some of the types of cargo transported via sea include:

1. Bulk and Heavy Goods
   Large cargo ships have the capacity to transport heavy and bulky items such as vehicles, industrial machinery, and construction materials. These goods are often moved by sea due to their large size and weight.
2. Agricultural and Perishable Products
   Refrigerated ships and cooling containers enable the transport of agricultural products, fish, and perishable food items. These goods are kept at controlled temperatures to prevent spoilage during transit.
3. Raw Materials and Petroleum Products
   One of the largest sectors of maritime shipping involves transporting raw materials like oil, natural gas, coal, and iron ore. These are typically moved using tankers and bulk carriers.
4. Industrial and Electronic Goods
   Industrial and electronic products, such as automobile parts, electronic equipment, and household appliances, are usually packed in containers and shipped by container vessels to their destinations.

Factors Involved in Sea Freight Transportation

Sea freight transportation is a complex process that requires cooperation and coordination between several entities and factors. These factors include:

1. Shipping Companies
   These companies are primarily responsible for moving goods from one port to another. Choosing the right shipping company can significantly impact the cost and delivery time of goods.
2. Ports and Maritime Terminals
   Ports play a key role in the loading and unloading of ships. Ports equipped with advanced terminals and loading/unloading equipment accelerate the sea freight process.
3. Customs and Regulatory Authorities
   Customs and regulatory authorities are responsible for ensuring compliance with international and local laws in sea freight transportation. Customs procedures and the issuance of necessary permits are among their duties.
4. Insurance Companies
   Due to the risks involved with weather conditions and security issues, sea freight transportation requires comprehensive insurance coverage. Insurance companies are responsible for providing insurance services for goods and vessels.

Required Documentation for Sea Freight Transportation

To transport goods by sea, several documents and records are required, with some of the most important being:

1. Bill of Lading
   This document serves as the primary transport document and provides detailed information about the shipment, including the origin, destination, and terms of transportation.
2. Certificate of Origin
   This document confirms the country of origin of the goods and is necessary for customs clearance at the destination.
3. Customs and Insurance Documents
   These documents ensure compliance with customs laws and provide coverage for potential damage or loss of goods during transportation.

Types of Cargo Ships

In the maritime transportation industry, ships are categorized into several types, each designed to transport specific kinds of goods:

1. Container Ships
   These ships are designed for carrying goods packed in containers and can transport thousands of containers simultaneously. This method is highly efficient as containers can be easily loaded and unloaded.
2. Tanker Ships
   Tankers are designed to transport liquids such as crude oil, petroleum products, and chemicals. Oil tankers are the largest cargo ships in the world.
3. Bulk Carriers
   These ships are designed to carry bulk goods such as grains, minerals, coal, and iron ore. The goods are loaded directly into large holds on the ship.
4. Refrigerated Ships (Reefer Ships)
   These ships are used to transport perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables, and meat products. They are equipped with advanced refrigeration systems to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the journey.

Importance and Application of Sea Freight in International Trade

1. Transportation of Raw Materials
   Sea transport is responsible for a large portion of the movement of raw materials like oil, natural gas, coal, and iron ore. These materials are shipped from producing countries to consumer nations and play a critical role in the global supply chain.
2. Agricultural Products Transport
   Many countries depend on the import and export of agricultural products. Cargo ships, especially refrigerated vessels, are used to transport products like wheat, corn, coffee, and cocoa. These goods are shipped either in bulk or packaged.
3. Industrial Exports and Imports
   The automotive, electronics, and other manufacturing industries are heavily reliant on sea transport. Parts and finished products are often sent to global markets via container ships.

Conclusion

Sea freight, as one of the most fundamental and efficient methods of transporting goods worldwide, plays a vital role in the global economy. Given its high capacity and low costs, it is highly suitable for transporting large and heavy items. However, factors such as slower speeds and dependence on weather conditions can present challenges for businesses and traders. With the advancement of technology and improvements in security and transportation systems, it is expected that the role of sea freight will continue to grow in the coming years.