GITNUXREPORT 2025

Marketing In The Shipping Industry Statistics

Shipping industry relies heavily on digital marketing, boosting growth and engagement.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

72% of shipping companies consider customer reviews and testimonials as key elements of their marketing strategy

Statistic 2

Customer loyalty programs integrated with digital platforms are used by 45% of maritime companies to retain clients

Statistic 3

38% of maritime B2B buyers prefer engaging with brands that provide interactive online content, such as 3D models or VR experiences

Statistic 4

Email marketing campaigns in the shipping sector have an open rate of approximately 22%

Statistic 5

Video marketing has been identified as the most effective digital tactic in the shipping sector, with 60% of companies investing in video content

Statistic 6

45% of maritime companies reported an increase in website traffic due to targeted digital marketing efforts in 2023

Statistic 7

Shipping companies that utilize data-driven marketing strategies are 30% more likely to achieve higher customer satisfaction

Statistic 8

50% of B2B marketers in shipping say that personalized marketing increases engagement rates

Statistic 9

55% of shipping companies use data analytics for targeted advertising campaigns

Statistic 10

The average click-through rate (CTR) for digital ads in the shipping industry is approximately 0.8%, indicating room for optimization

Statistic 11

Shipping industry LinkedIn ads have a conversion rate of around 10%, higher than the average social media ad

Statistic 12

80% of shipping executives claim that digital marketing has increased their company's market visibility

Statistic 13

Subscriptions to industry-specific newsletters have increased by 25% in 2023, reflecting the value of digital content marketing

Statistic 14

The majority of shipping industry marketing content (around 70%) is now distributed through digital channels, replacing traditional print media

Statistic 15

Shipping industry events with virtual components saw a 40% increase in attendee engagement over 2022, demonstrating digital marketing's impact on event participation

Statistic 16

The average CPL (cost-per-lead) in shipbuilding digital campaigns is approximately $150, indicating competitive but necessary investments

Statistic 17

Digital marketing strategies focused on safety and compliance messaging saw a 22% increase in effectiveness during 2023, as companies prioritize regulatory adherence

Statistic 18

The use of virtual reality (VR) for marketing and training purposes in shipping has increased by 25% in recent years

Statistic 19

65% of maritime marketing professionals believe that augmented reality (AR) will significantly impact future shipping marketing campaigns

Statistic 20

48% of maritime companies use augmented reality (AR) for client demonstrations, enhancing engagement and understanding of complex solutions

Statistic 21

The global shipping industry is projected to reach a market size of $505.45 billion by 2027

Statistic 22

Approximately 90% of the world's goods are transported via shipping

Statistic 23

Digital marketing accounts for nearly 35% of marketing budgets in the shipping industry

Statistic 24

The average ROI on digital marketing campaigns in the shipping industry is estimated at 25%

Statistic 25

The use of AI-based marketing automation tools in shipping has grown by 40% over the last three years

Statistic 26

Digital ads in the shipping industry are predicted to grow at a CAGR of 12% from 2023 to 2028

Statistic 27

Mobile marketing efforts account for 60% of digital marketing budgets in the maritime industry

Statistic 28

40% of shipping industry marketing efforts are focused on sustainability and eco-friendly practices

Statistic 29

The average lifetime value (LTV) of a customer in the shipping industry who engages through digital channels is 35% higher than traditional channels

Statistic 30

80% of maritime B2B transactions now involve digital channels, like online booking or e-invoicing, indicating a shift toward digital marketing necessity

Statistic 31

Video webinars hosted by shipping firms attract 50% more participants than traditional sales calls

Statistic 32

Shipping industry podcasts have seen an audience growth of 35% in 2023, proving the rising popularity of audio content for marketing purposes

Statistic 33

68% of maritime marketing campaigns now include sustainability messaging as a core component, reflecting industry priorities

Statistic 34

The use of chatbots in maritime customer service has increased by 50% in the past two years, improving user experience and lead qualification

Statistic 35

Shipping-related Google searches increased by 15% year-over-year, reflecting growing online interest

Statistic 36

60% of maritime industry marketers plan to increase their digital advertising budgets in the next 12 months, reflecting confidence in digital channels

Statistic 37

Podcasts focusing on maritime industry trends receive an average download rate increase of 20% annually, indicating growing content consumption

Statistic 38

52% of companies plan to adopt more integrated marketing techniques combining traditional and digital channels in 2023

Statistic 39

Mobile apps for fleet management are used by 65% of maritime companies as part of their marketing outreach and service support

Statistic 40

Mobile search accounts for 55% of all online searches related to shipping services, emphasizing the importance of mobile-optimized marketing content

Statistic 41

75% of shipping industry marketing leaders believe that sustainability messaging positively influences customer purchasing decisions

Statistic 42

Shipping industry digital marketing budgets are expected to grow by 18% annually over the next five years, indicating ongoing investment

Statistic 43

Shipping companies investing in digital marketing see an average increase of 15% in customer inquiries within the first six months

Statistic 44

70% of shipping companies use social media platforms for brand awareness and customer engagement

Statistic 45

65% of shipping companies use LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals and clients

Statistic 46

55% of shipping companies invest in content marketing to educate customers about their services

Statistic 47

The shipping industry’s social media advertising spend reached approximately $600 million in 2023

Statistic 48

Shipping companies that actively participate in online forums and industry groups report 20% better lead generation

Statistic 49

User-generated content (UGC) accounts for 25% of marketing content in the shipping industry, boosting authenticity and credibility

Statistic 50

45% of shipping companies report that influencer marketing has helped build brand trust among industry stakeholders

Statistic 51

The average engagement rate for social media posts in the shipping sector is 3.2%, indicating moderate interaction levels

Statistic 52

The use of influencer marketing on LinkedIn for shipping firms increased by 30% in the past year, showing rising trust in peer recommendations

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Sources

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Key Highlights

The global shipping industry is projected to reach a market size of $505.45 billion by 2027
Approximately 90% of the world's goods are transported via shipping
Digital marketing accounts for nearly 35% of marketing budgets in the shipping industry
70% of shipping companies use social media platforms for brand awareness and customer engagement
The average ROI on digital marketing campaigns in the shipping industry is estimated at 25%
65% of shipping companies use LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals and clients
Email marketing campaigns in the shipping sector have an open rate of approximately 22%
Video marketing has been identified as the most effective digital tactic in the shipping sector, with 60% of companies investing in video content
45% of maritime companies reported an increase in website traffic due to targeted digital marketing efforts in 2023
The use of AI-based marketing automation tools in shipping has grown by 40% over the last three years
Shipping companies that utilize data-driven marketing strategies are 30% more likely to achieve higher customer satisfaction
Digital ads in the shipping industry are predicted to grow at a CAGR of 12% from 2023 to 2028
55% of shipping companies invest in content marketing to educate customers about their services

Shipping isn’t just about moving cargo—it’s riding a digital wave: with 80% of maritime B2B transactions now occurring online and video marketing showing a 60% investment rate, the industry is transforming its marketing strategies to sail confidently into a more connected future.

Customer Engagement and Relationships

72% of shipping companies consider customer reviews and testimonials as key elements of their marketing strategy
Customer loyalty programs integrated with digital platforms are used by 45% of maritime companies to retain clients
38% of maritime B2B buyers prefer engaging with brands that provide interactive online content, such as 3D models or VR experiences

Customer Engagement and Relationships Interpretation

Shipping companies are navigating uncharted waters by prioritizing customer testimonials, blending traditional loyalty with digital innovation, and embracing immersive content—proof that in the maritime world, engaging eyes and ears is the new compass for loyalty and growth.

Digital Marketing Strategies and Analytics

Email marketing campaigns in the shipping sector have an open rate of approximately 22%
Video marketing has been identified as the most effective digital tactic in the shipping sector, with 60% of companies investing in video content
45% of maritime companies reported an increase in website traffic due to targeted digital marketing efforts in 2023
Shipping companies that utilize data-driven marketing strategies are 30% more likely to achieve higher customer satisfaction
50% of B2B marketers in shipping say that personalized marketing increases engagement rates
55% of shipping companies use data analytics for targeted advertising campaigns
The average click-through rate (CTR) for digital ads in the shipping industry is approximately 0.8%, indicating room for optimization
Shipping industry LinkedIn ads have a conversion rate of around 10%, higher than the average social media ad
80% of shipping executives claim that digital marketing has increased their company's market visibility
Subscriptions to industry-specific newsletters have increased by 25% in 2023, reflecting the value of digital content marketing
The majority of shipping industry marketing content (around 70%) is now distributed through digital channels, replacing traditional print media
Shipping industry events with virtual components saw a 40% increase in attendee engagement over 2022, demonstrating digital marketing's impact on event participation
The average CPL (cost-per-lead) in shipbuilding digital campaigns is approximately $150, indicating competitive but necessary investments
Digital marketing strategies focused on safety and compliance messaging saw a 22% increase in effectiveness during 2023, as companies prioritize regulatory adherence

Digital Marketing Strategies and Analytics Interpretation

While digital marketing in the shipping industry is making waves—from a modest 22% open rate to a remarkable 60% effectiveness of video content—it's clear thatakin to navigating the high seas, harnessing data analytics and personalized strategies can turn the tide toward higher engagement, greater visibility, and ultimately, smoother sailing in the competitive digital harbor.

Emerging Technologies and Innovation

The use of virtual reality (VR) for marketing and training purposes in shipping has increased by 25% in recent years
65% of maritime marketing professionals believe that augmented reality (AR) will significantly impact future shipping marketing campaigns
48% of maritime companies use augmented reality (AR) for client demonstrations, enhancing engagement and understanding of complex solutions

Emerging Technologies and Innovation Interpretation

As virtual and augmented reality become fleet-footed players in shipping marketing—rising by 25% and influencing 65% of professionals—companies embracing these immersive tools are not just navigating new waters but charting courses toward more engaging and comprehensible client experiences.

Industry Trends and Market Dynamics

The global shipping industry is projected to reach a market size of $505.45 billion by 2027
Approximately 90% of the world's goods are transported via shipping
Digital marketing accounts for nearly 35% of marketing budgets in the shipping industry
The average ROI on digital marketing campaigns in the shipping industry is estimated at 25%
The use of AI-based marketing automation tools in shipping has grown by 40% over the last three years
Digital ads in the shipping industry are predicted to grow at a CAGR of 12% from 2023 to 2028
Mobile marketing efforts account for 60% of digital marketing budgets in the maritime industry
40% of shipping industry marketing efforts are focused on sustainability and eco-friendly practices
The average lifetime value (LTV) of a customer in the shipping industry who engages through digital channels is 35% higher than traditional channels
80% of maritime B2B transactions now involve digital channels, like online booking or e-invoicing, indicating a shift toward digital marketing necessity
Video webinars hosted by shipping firms attract 50% more participants than traditional sales calls
Shipping industry podcasts have seen an audience growth of 35% in 2023, proving the rising popularity of audio content for marketing purposes
68% of maritime marketing campaigns now include sustainability messaging as a core component, reflecting industry priorities
The use of chatbots in maritime customer service has increased by 50% in the past two years, improving user experience and lead qualification
Shipping-related Google searches increased by 15% year-over-year, reflecting growing online interest
60% of maritime industry marketers plan to increase their digital advertising budgets in the next 12 months, reflecting confidence in digital channels
Podcasts focusing on maritime industry trends receive an average download rate increase of 20% annually, indicating growing content consumption
52% of companies plan to adopt more integrated marketing techniques combining traditional and digital channels in 2023
Mobile apps for fleet management are used by 65% of maritime companies as part of their marketing outreach and service support
Mobile search accounts for 55% of all online searches related to shipping services, emphasizing the importance of mobile-optimized marketing content
75% of shipping industry marketing leaders believe that sustainability messaging positively influences customer purchasing decisions
Shipping industry digital marketing budgets are expected to grow by 18% annually over the next five years, indicating ongoing investment
Shipping companies investing in digital marketing see an average increase of 15% in customer inquiries within the first six months

Industry Trends and Market Dynamics Interpretation

As the shipping industry sails towards a $505 billion horizon fueled by a 35% boost in digital marketing efforts—where 90% of global goods voyage via maritime routes and 68% of campaigns now anchor sustainability—it's clear that navigating the digital seas is no longer optional but essential for charting customer loyalty and industry growth.

Social Media and Content Marketing

70% of shipping companies use social media platforms for brand awareness and customer engagement
65% of shipping companies use LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals and clients
55% of shipping companies invest in content marketing to educate customers about their services
The shipping industry’s social media advertising spend reached approximately $600 million in 2023
Shipping companies that actively participate in online forums and industry groups report 20% better lead generation
User-generated content (UGC) accounts for 25% of marketing content in the shipping industry, boosting authenticity and credibility
45% of shipping companies report that influencer marketing has helped build brand trust among industry stakeholders
The average engagement rate for social media posts in the shipping sector is 3.2%, indicating moderate interaction levels
The use of influencer marketing on LinkedIn for shipping firms increased by 30% in the past year, showing rising trust in peer recommendations

Social Media and Content Marketing Interpretation

In an industry historically reliant on cargo and port logistics, shipping companies are now navigating the digital seas—using social media, content marketing, and influencer partnerships—where authentic engagement and online networking are proving as vital to their voyage as a captain’s compass, all while investing hundreds of millions in the tide of digital advertising.