GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Cargo Shipping Industry Statistics

The cargo shipping industry is a critical component of global trade, facilitating the transportation of goods across the world's oceans and accounting for a substantial portion of total freight volume.

Highlights: Cargo Shipping Industry Statistics

  • In 2019, the global maritime freight transport volume was projected to surpass 11 billion metric tons.
  • The total global seaborne trade volume in 2019 reached nearly 11.08 billion tons.
  • The total value of global seaborne trade in 2019 was over 14 trillion dollars.
  • The largest global shipping company, Maersk Line, had a capacity of 4.1 million TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) in 2020.
  • AP Møller - Mærsk had revenue of $39.74 billion USD in 2019.
  • In 2019, the Port of Shanghai was the busiest port worldwide handling about 43.3 million TEUs.
  • Global container shipment volume is estimated to reach 224 million TEUs by 2024.
  • Dry Cargo constitutes about two-thirds of international seaborne trade.
  • Almost 42% of the global fleet total dwt is made up of oil tankers & bulk carriers.
  • In 2020, the global logistics market was worth $5.2 trillion, with sea freight making up a significant part.
  • Oil shipments account for around 30% of all seaborne trade.
  • Almost 80% of all global trade, by volume, is transported by sea.
  • The global new orders of ships totaled around 52.92 million GT (Gross Tonnage) in 2020.
  • In 2020, container ships had the largest share in the world merchant fleet in terms of deadweight tonnage, about 14.6%.
  • The global maritime freight market is projected to decrease its growth to CAGR of 2.53% during 2020-2024
  • There are approximately 6,000 ships on the high seas at any given time.
  • Container ships today are nearly 1,500% larger than they were in 1960.

Our Newsletter

The Business Week In Data

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!

Table of Contents

The Latest Cargo Shipping Industry Statistics Explained

In 2019, the global maritime freight transport volume was projected to surpass 11 billion metric tons.

The statistic ‘In 2019, the global maritime freight transport volume was projected to surpass 11 billion metric tons’ indicates that in the year 2019, the total amount of goods transported by sea around the world was expected to exceed 11 billion metric tons. This figure serves as a key indicator of the significant role that maritime transport plays in the global economy, linking various regions and facilitating the movement of goods on a massive scale. The projection highlights the immense volume of trade conducted via maritime routes, underscoring the importance of this mode of transport in sustaining international commerce and supply chains.

The total global seaborne trade volume in 2019 reached nearly 11.08 billion tons.

The statistic indicates that the total global seaborne trade volume in 2019 amounted to about 11.08 billion tons, representing the total amount of goods transported by sea worldwide during that year. Seaborne trade plays a vital role in the global economy as many goods are transported via ships, including commodities like oil, coal, ores, and manufactured products. The significant volume of seaborne trade highlights the importance of maritime transportation in facilitating international trade and economic growth. Monitoring and analyzing seaborne trade statistics are essential for governments, businesses, and policymakers to understand global supply chains, trade patterns, and economic trends.

The total value of global seaborne trade in 2019 was over 14 trillion dollars.

The statistic that the total value of global seaborne trade in 2019 was over 14 trillion dollars indicates the immense scale and significance of maritime trade on a global level during that year. Seaborne trade encompasses the transportation of goods through ocean-going vessels and plays a critical role in the global economy by facilitating the movement of goods across international borders. The substantial value of over 14 trillion dollars underscores the magnitude of goods being traded internationally via maritime routes, highlighting the interconnectedness and reliance of countries on each other for the exchange of goods and services. This statistic also illustrates the substantial economic impact and the extensive reach of seaborne trade on a global scale.

The largest global shipping company, Maersk Line, had a capacity of 4.1 million TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) in 2020.

The statistic that the largest global shipping company, Maersk Line, had a capacity of 4.1 million TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) in 2020 indicates the volume of cargo that Maersk Line was able to transport within standard twenty-foot containers during that year. This metric reflects the scale of operations of Maersk Line, highlighting its dominance in the global shipping industry. Having a capacity of 4.1 million TEU shows the immense logistical capabilities of Maersk Line, enabling them to handle a vast amount of goods and play a significant role in global trade and transportation networks.

AP Møller – Mærsk had revenue of $39.74 billion USD in 2019.

The statistic “AP Møller – Mærsk had revenue of $39.74 billion USD in 2019” indicates the total amount of money generated by the Danish integrated container logistics company during the fiscal year of 2019. Revenue is a key financial metric that reflects the total sales or income earned by a company from its core business activities. In this case, the revenue figure of $39.74 billion USD suggests the scale and financial performance of AP Møller – Mærsk in 2019, highlighting its significant presence in the global shipping and logistics industry. This statistic provides valuable insight into the company’s economic impact and overall market position for that specific year.

In 2019, the Port of Shanghai was the busiest port worldwide handling about 43.3 million TEUs.

The statistic that in 2019, the Port of Shanghai was the busiest port worldwide handling about 43.3 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) highlights the significant volume of cargo throughput that the port managed during that year. TEUs are a standard unit of measurement used in the shipping industry to quantify container cargo capacity. The Port of Shanghai’s impressive handling of 43.3 million TEUs indicates its pivotal role in global trade and demonstrates its superiority in terms of handling goods and facilitating international commerce. This statistic underscores the Port of Shanghai’s importance as a key hub for maritime transportation and logistics on a worldwide scale.

Global container shipment volume is estimated to reach 224 million TEUs by 2024.

The statistic “Global container shipment volume is estimated to reach 224 million TEUs by 2024” indicates that the total volume of cargo transported through shipping containers worldwide is projected to increase significantly over the next few years. TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) are a standard measure used in the shipping industry to quantify the capacity of cargo ships and ports. The estimated growth in container shipment volume suggests a rising demand for international trade and the movement of goods across borders. This statistic serves as a key indicator of global economic activity and trade dynamics, reflecting the interconnected nature of the modern economy and the reliance on efficient maritime transportation for moving goods across vast distances.

Dry Cargo constitutes about two-thirds of international seaborne trade.

The statistic that dry cargo constitutes about two-thirds of international seaborne trade indicates that the majority of goods exchanged across international borders by sea are in the form of dry bulk commodities such as grains, coal, iron ore, and other raw materials. These goods are typically transported in large quantities without the need for specialized containers or temperature-controlled environments. This statistic highlights the economic significance of dry bulk shipping in facilitating global trade and the transportation of essential materials for various industries around the world. Given the dominance of dry cargo in international seaborne trade, it underscores the importance of efficient shipping logistics and infrastructure to support the movement of these goods across oceans.

Almost 42% of the global fleet total dwt is made up of oil tankers & bulk carriers.

The statistic indicates that a significant portion, approximately 42%, of the total deadweight tonnage (dwt) of the global fleet is accounted for by oil tankers and bulk carriers. Deadweight tonnage is a measure of the total carrying capacity of a ship in terms of weight, including cargo, fuel, crew, and passengers. Oil tankers are vessels designed to transport oil and other liquid cargo, while bulk carriers are ships that carry unpackaged bulk cargo such as grain, coal, and ore. The fact that these two types of vessels make up such a substantial portion of the global fleet’s total dwt highlights their crucial role in the maritime industry for the transportation of essential commodities on a global scale.

In 2020, the global logistics market was worth $5.2 trillion, with sea freight making up a significant part.

The statistic indicating that the global logistics market was worth $5.2 trillion in 2020 highlights the immense scale and economic significance of the industry. It signifies the substantial value of the services provided in terms of transportation, warehousing, and distribution on a worldwide scale. The mention of sea freight as a significant component further emphasizes the vital role that maritime transportation plays in the global movement of goods. This statistic underscores the importance of logistics in enabling international trade and commerce, showcasing the massive financial resources and infrastructural support required to facilitate the seamless flow of goods across borders and oceans.

Oil shipments account for around 30% of all seaborne trade.

The statistic “Oil shipments account for around 30% of all seaborne trade” indicates that approximately 30% of all goods traded via sea transport are made up of oil shipments. This statistic highlights the significant role that the oil industry plays in global maritime trade, showcasing its importance as a key commodity in international commerce. The high percentage also suggests that disruptions or fluctuations in the oil market could have a substantial impact on the overall seaborne trade industry. This statistic is crucial for understanding the dynamics and economic implications of the oil and maritime sectors within the broader context of international trade.

Almost 80% of all global trade, by volume, is transported by sea.

This statistic indicates that the majority of international trade, specifically around 80%, is carried out through maritime transport. This underscores the significant role that shipping plays in the global economy, facilitating the movement of goods and resources across countries and continents. The reliance on sea transport highlights the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of shipping in comparison to other modes of transportation. It also emphasizes the importance of maritime infrastructure and logistics in supporting global trade networks. Furthermore, this statistic illustrates the interconnected nature of the global economy and the interconnectedness of nations through trade relationships and supply chains.

The global new orders of ships totaled around 52.92 million GT (Gross Tonnage) in 2020.

The statistic that the global new orders of ships amounted to approximately 52.92 million Gross Tonnage (GT) in 2020 represents the total tonnage of newly ordered ships worldwide during that year. GT is a measure of the total enclosed space within a ship and is commonly used to quantify the size and capacity of vessels. This statistic indicates a high level of demand for new ships across the global maritime industry in 2020, suggesting strong activity in shipbuilding and potentially reflecting economic growth, trade patterns, and investment in the maritime sector. Tracking such data can provide insights into trends in the shipping industry, economic activity, and global trade dynamics.

In 2020, container ships had the largest share in the world merchant fleet in terms of deadweight tonnage, about 14.6%.

The statistic indicates that in the year 2020, container ships comprised the largest proportion of the global merchant fleet based on deadweight tonnage, accounting for approximately 14.6% of the total. Deadweight tonnage is a measure of a vessel’s carrying capacity for cargo, fuel, ballast, and other items. The high share of container ships in the world merchant fleet suggests the significant role they play in international trade and transportation. This statistic reflects the continued importance of container shipping in facilitating global commerce and highlights the scale of operations and economic impact of container vessels within the maritime industry.

The global maritime freight market is projected to decrease its growth to CAGR of 2.53% during 2020-2024

This statistic indicates that the global maritime freight market is expected to experience a decrease in its growth rate over the period from 2020 to 2024. Specifically, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is projected to slow down to 2.53% during this time frame, indicating a more moderate expansion compared to previous years. This decrease in growth rate could be attributed to various factors such as economic conditions, changes in global trade patterns, environmental regulations, or disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic. It suggests a shift in the pace of growth in the maritime freight industry and highlights the need for stakeholders to adapt their strategies to the changing market dynamics.

There are approximately 6,000 ships on the high seas at any given time.

The statistic that there are approximately 6,000 ships on the high seas at any given time is a representation of the significant level of maritime traffic occurring globally. Ships play a crucial role in international trade, transportation, and communication, with thousands of vessels traversing the world’s oceans daily. This statistic underscores the complexity and scale of maritime activities, highlighting the constant movement of goods, people, and resources across different regions. It also serves as a key indicator of the dynamics and challenges within the maritime industry, including issues related to navigation, safety, security, and environmental impact. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of effective monitoring, regulation, and management of maritime traffic to ensure the sustainability and efficiency of global transport networks.

Container ships today are nearly 1,500% larger than they were in 1960.

The statistic that container ships today are nearly 1,500% larger than they were in 1960 is a reflection of the substantial growth and evolution of the shipping industry over the past six decades. This increase in size is a result of technological advancements, improved efficiency, and the need to accommodate the growing global trade demands. Larger container ships offer economies of scale by transporting more goods at once, reducing costs per unit and lowering carbon emissions per ton of cargo. This statistic underscores the significant progress made in the maritime sector to enhance capacity, speed, and sustainability in meeting the demands of international trade.

References

0. – https://www.www.statista.com

1. – https://www.www.technavio.com

2. – https://www.www.antares.com

3. – https://www.www.worldatlas.com

4. – https://www.www.mpa.gov.sg

5. – https://www.unctadstat.unctad.org

6. – https://www.www.worldshipping.org

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!