Maritime Freight Transport Market Trends

Global Maritime Freight Transport Market Overview

Maritime Freight Transport Market Size was valued at USD 361.5 Billion in 2022. The Maritime Freight Transport industry is projected to grow from USD 378.8 Billion in 2023 to USD 551.2 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound yearly growth rate (CAGR) of 4.80% during the forecast period (2023 - 2032). Increased ization of trade, the rising demand for energy resources, and the expansion of the energy industry are the key market drivers enhancing the market growth. 

Source: The Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Maritime Freight Transport Market Trends

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  Growing ization of trade is driving the market growth

  
  

Market CAGR for maritime freight transport is being driven by the rising ization of trade. ization has led to a profound interconnectivity of economies, with businesses sourcing materials, manufacturing components, and distributing finished goods on a scale. As a consequence, maritime freight transport, being the backbone of international trade, experiences heightened demand and expansion due to several key factors.

The extended reach of supply chains necessitates efficient and the reliable movement of goods across vast distances, often between continents. Maritime transport provides a cost-effective solution for shipping large quantities of goods, making it an integral component of the logistics landscape. The sheer volume and variety of products traded ly, including raw materials, manufactured goods, and commodities, contribute to the continuous growth of the maritime freight transport market. Further, the increased ization of trade has resulted in the emergence of complex and intricate supply chain networks. Businesses now source components and raw materials from diverse geographic locations to optimize production costs and tap into specialized capabilities. This complexity requires a robust and flexible transportation system, and maritime freight transport is well-suited to handle the challenges posed by the movement of goods. Containerization, in particular, has played a pivotal role in streamlining the loading, unloading, and transfer of goods between various modes of transportation, enhancing the efficiency of maritime logistics.

Moreover, the trend of outsourcing production to countries with lower manufacturing costs has become a hallmark of ization. As a result, the need for efficient, cost-effective, and large-capacity transportation solutions has increased, with maritime freight transport being a primary choice for long-distance movement of goods. The economies of scale achieved by large container vessels further contribute to the cost efficiency of maritime transportation. Also, the rise of e-commerce has accelerated the demand for maritime freight transport. With the growth of online retail and e-commerce platforms, goods are sourced and distributed ly, creating a surge in parcel shipments and bulk cargo movements. Maritime transport facilitates the movement of goods from manufacturing centres to consumer markets, playing a crucial role in the end-to-end supply chain of e-commerce.

Furthermore, trade agreements and international partnerships fostered by ization contribute to increased maritime transport activities. Free trade agreements and alliances between countries stimulate cross-border trade, encouraging the movement of goods via maritime routes. These agreements often lead to an influx of imports and exports, driving the demand for maritime freight transport services. Thus driving the Maritime Freight Transport market revenue.

Maritime Freight Transport Market Segment Insights

Maritime Freight Transport Cargo Type Insights

The Maritime Freight Transport market segmentation, based on cargo type, includes Container Cargo, Bulk Cargo, General Cargo and Oil & Gas. The container cargo segment dominated the market, accounting for the largest market revenue due to its unparalleled efficiency and versatility. The standardization of container sizes, notably the twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) and forty-foot equivalent unit (FEU), has revolutionized the shipping industry, allowing for seamless intermodal transportation. Containers facilitate the easy transfer of goods between various modes of the transportation, including ships, trucks, and trains, streamlining the logistics process. The economies of scale achieved by containerization contribute to cost-effectiveness, making it the preferred choice for shipping large volumes of goods ly. The dominance of container cargo has transformed ports into key logistical hubs, enhancing supply chain efficiency and driving the continued growth of the maritime freight transport market.

Figure 1:  Maritime Freight Transport Market by Cargo Type, 2022 & 2032 (USD Billion) 

Source: The Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Maritime Freight Transport Industry Type Insights

The Maritime Freight Transport market segmentation, based on industry type, includes Food and beverages, Manufacturing, Oil and ores, Electrical and electronics and Others. The manufacturing category dominates the market due to its extensive reliance on the efficient movement of raw materials, components, and finished goods across supply chains. Large volumes of industrial products, machinery, and materials are transported by sea to reach manufacturing centres worldwide. Maritime freight transport offers cost-effective and scalable solutions, particularly for bulk cargo and heavy machinery, making it the preferred mode of transportation for manufacturing businesses. The nature of manufacturing, with production facilities often located in different regions, necessitates reliable and expansive shipping networks, further reinforcing the dominance of maritime transport.

Maritime Freight Transport Regional Insights

By region, the study gives market insights into the North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Rest of the World. The North American Maritime Freight Transport market area dominates this market due to the region's economic strength and its robust and well-established maritime infrastructure, including a vast network of ports, efficient intermodal connectivity, and a strategic geographic position facilitating trade with Europe, Asia, and other regions.

Further, the prime countries studied in the market report are the US, Canada, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, Japan, China, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.

Figure 2:  MARITIME FREIGHT TRANSPORT MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (USD Billion) 

Source: The Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Europe's Maritime Freight Transport market accounts for the second-largest market share due to the extensive and integrated port infrastructure, strategic geographical location, and its role as a major trading bloc. Further, the German Maritime Freight Transport market held the largest market revenue share, and the UK Maritime Freight Transport market was the fastest-growing market in the European region.

The Asia-Pacific Maritime Freight Transport Market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from the year 2023 to 2032. This is due to economic growth, rapid industrialization, and the increasing demand for the efficient and cost-effective transportation solutions. Moreover, China’s Maritime Freight Transport market held the largest market share, and the Indian Maritime Freight Transport market was the fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.

Maritime Freight Transport Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

Leading market players are investing heavily in the research and development in order to expand their product lines, which will help the Maritime Freight Transport market grow even more. Market players are also undertaking various strategic activities to spread their footprint, with important market developments including mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, new product launches, contractual agreements, and collaboration with the other organizations. To expand and suatain in a more competitive and rising market climate, the Maritime Freight Transport industry must offer cost-effective items.

Manufacturing locally to minimize the operational costs is one of the key business tactics utilised by manufacturers in the Maritime Freight Transport industry to benefit the clients and grow the market sector. In recent years, the Maritime Freight Transport industry has offered some of the most significant advantages to the supply chain industry. Major players in the Maritime Freight Transport market, including AP Moller (Maersk), China Ocean Shipping (Group) Company (COSCO), Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. (MSC), CMA-CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, Ocean Network Express, Evergreen Line, HMM Co. Ltd., Yang Ming Marine Transport, Zim, and others, are trying to raise market demand by investing in the research and development operations.

CMA CGM, founded in 1978 by Jacques Saadé, is a shipping and the logistics company headquartered in France. As one of the largest container shipping companies in the world, CMA CGM operates a vast fleet of vessels and provides comprehensive maritime and logistics services. With a strong presence in key international trade routes, the company offers container transportation, logistics solutions, and terminal operations across a wide range of industries. CMA CGM is known for its commitment to sustainability, investing in eco-friendly technologies and promoting environmental responsibility in the maritime industry. Announced in August 2023, French shipping giant CMA CGM acquired Ingram Micro CLS, a US-based provider of contract logistics and freight forwarding services. This acquisition strengthens CMA CGM's presence in the US market and expands its logistics capabilities.

China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited (COSCO) is one of the largest and most prominent maritime conglomerates in the world, headquartered in Shanghai, China. Formed through the merger of COSCO Group and China Shipping Group in 2016, the company operates across various segments of the shipping and logistics industry. COSCO is a major player in container shipping, owning and managing a vast fleet of container vessels that facilitate trade. With a comprehensive network of subsidiaries and affiliates, COSCO offers a wide range of services, including container terminal operations, logistics, and freight forwarding. In April 2023, Chinese shipping and logistics company COSCO announced that it acquired a majority stake in HK Container Terminal, a leading container terminal operator in Hong Kong. This acquisition expands COSCO's port infrastructure and enhances its control over the freight flow.

Key Companies in the Maritime Freight Transport market include

• AP Moller (Maersk)


• China Ocean Shipping (Group) Company (COSCO)


• Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. (MSC)


• CMA-CGM


• Hapag-Lloyd


• Ocean Network Express


• Evergreen Line


• HMM Co. Ltd.


• Yang Ming Marine Transport,


• Zim

Maritime Freight Transport Industry Developments

In June 2024, India plans to create a new shipping company with the goal to increase its fleet by at least 1,000 ships over the next eight years. This move is in line with the Indian government’s push to be able to earn more from the ever-increasing trade market, as stated by two people working in the government.

In May 2024, Alphaliner claimed that the container shipping industry was reported to have reached a new peak, which is a prominent maritime consulting company. The “Megamax” class defines a class of container ships that are typically the largest in this category or ULCS, with a capacity of carrying more than 20,000 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units).

In December 2023, the heads of major maritime companies from around the world signed a joint statement at COP 28 calling for an end date, at which point the construction of new vessels using fossil fuels would cease. They are calling on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to formulate policies that would help accelerate the use of cleaner fuels in the shipping sector.

In November 2023, a new logistics tracking system was co-formed by Maersk Line of Denmark and IBM. It is aimed at reducing inefficiencies within the blockchain supply chain through use of the platform.

In June 2023, ONE and ZIM entered into an agreement for container and slot exchange on the premise of co-sharing. This is achieved through enhancing ONE and ZIM global network availability. Customers can access more points and a better degree of connection by utilizing a combination of routes and services. This broader network enhances reliability of services and lowers shipping durations.

In June 2023, A.P. Moller Maersk, the largest container shipping company in the world announced plans to spend a whopping $1 billion on green initiatives. It includes construction of modified vessels that would be powered by fuel alternatives such as ammonia and methanol

Maritime Freight Transport Market Segmentation

Maritime Freight Transport Cargo Type Outlook

• Container Cargo


• Bulk Cargo


• General Cargo


• Oil & Gas

Maritime Freight Transport Industry Type Outlook

• Food & Beverages


• Manufacturing


• Oil & Ores


• Electrical & Electronics


• Others

Maritime Freight Transport Regional Outlook

• North America
  
  
  
  • US
  
  
  • Canada
  
  
  
  


• Europe
  
  
  
  • Germany
  
  
  • France
  
  
  • UK
  
  
  • Italy
  
  
  • Spain
  
  
  • Rest of Europe
  
  
  
  


• Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  • China
  
  
  • Japan
  
  
  • India
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • South Korea
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  


• Rest of the World
  
  
  
  • Middle East
  
  
  • Africa
  
  
  • Latin America