GITNUXREPORT 2025

Shipping Industry Statistics

Global shipping transports 80% of goods, driving economy, emissions, and innovation.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik Linder

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

First published: April 29, 2025

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking • Reputable sources • Regular updatesLearn more

Key Statistics

Statistic 1

The shipping industry emitted about 1.0 billion tons of CO2 in 2019, accounting for roughly 2.9% of global emissions

Statistic 2

The number of shipping containers lost at sea annually is estimated to be around 1,390, with the majority during storms

Statistic 3

The shipping industry is responsible for about 2-3% of the world's total greenhouse gas emissions

Statistic 4

The introduction of LNG-powered ships has increased, with around 600 ships either in operation or on order as of 2023

Statistic 5

The shipping industry is exploring alternative fuels like ammonia, hydrogen, and biofuels to reduce emissions, with over 200 ships using alternative fuels as of 2023

Statistic 6

The average speed of cargo ships has decreased from around 20 knots in the 1990s to roughly 12-14 knots in recent years to reduce fuel consumption

Statistic 7

The shipping industry’s deployment of scrubbers to reduce sulfur emissions increased by 70% in 2022, highlighting focus on environmental compliance

Statistic 8

Approximately 20% of the global fleet is equipped with ballast water treatment systems to prevent invasive species transfer

Statistic 9

Shipping emission reduction targets set by the IMO aim for a 40% cut in greenhouse gases by 2030 compared to 2008 levels

Statistic 10

The implementation of ballast water management regulations has led to over 2,000 ships worldwide retrofitting ballast water systems since 2017

Statistic 11

The utilization rate of green shipping technologies increased by 55% from 2018 to 2023, reflecting a shift toward sustainability

Statistic 12

The global shipping industry transports over 80% of the world's merchandise by volume

Statistic 13

Container shipping accounts for approximately 60% of total global trade volume

Statistic 14

Approximately 90% of everything we buy is moved by shipping at some point in the supply chain

Statistic 15

The cost of global shipping delays is estimated to be over $60 billion annually

Statistic 16

Asia holds approximately 60% of the world’s container port throughput

Statistic 17

The global maritime insurance market is worth around $15 billion annually

Statistic 18

The global shipbuilding market size was valued at approximately $170 billion in 2022

Statistic 19

The Global Maritime Security Market is projected to reach $950 million by 2027

Statistic 20

Ports are the primary hubs for global logistics, with over 1,200 ports handling international shipping

Statistic 21

The global ship leasing market is valued at approximately $50 billion, facilitating the expansion of maritime fleets

Statistic 22

The majority of global shipping routes pass through the Strait of Malacca, one of the busiest waterways, covering over 25,000 ships annually

Statistic 23

The shipping industry's annual trade value exceeds $4 trillion, representing roughly 80% of global merchandise trade

Statistic 24

The global maritime logistics market size is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 4.2% between 2023-2028, due to trade growth

Statistic 25

The global maritime dispute resolution services market is projected to reach $2.3 billion by 2025, reflecting increased legal and arbitration needs

Statistic 26

The global crisis in the supply chain due to port congestions and vessel delays has caused an average of 40% increase in freight costs since 2020

Statistic 27

The global port infrastructure investment is projected to reach $1.4 trillion by 2030 to accommodate growing trade

Statistic 28

The average cost of port infrastructure development is around $300 million per port, depending on size and capacity

Statistic 29

The total deadweight tonnage of the world's merchant fleet exceeds 2 billion DWT

Statistic 30

The average age of the global shipping fleet is approximately 10-12 years

Statistic 31

The largest ship ever built is the Pioneering Spirit, used for offshore construction, with a lifting capacity of 48,000 tonnes

Statistic 32

The world's largest container ship is the HMM Algeciras, with a capacity of 24,000 TEUs

Statistic 33

The global shipping industry has over 50,000 commercial ships in operation

Statistic 34

The average fuel consumption of a large container ship is roughly 250-300 tonnes of fuel per day

Statistic 35

Approximately 75% of the global fleet is flagged under developing countries

Statistic 36

The average shipping freight rate for Asia to Europe routes increased by over 200% during 2021

Statistic 37

The average lifespan of a commercial ship is around 25-30 years, depending on the type and maintenance

Statistic 38

The average age of ships on the water is decreasing due to larger investments in newer ships

Statistic 39

Over 2 million seafarers are employed worldwide, supporting the shipping industry

Statistic 40

The average daily operating costs for a large containership are estimated at $15,000 to $20,000

Statistic 41

The average vessel size in the containership sector increased from around 4,000 TEUs in 2000 to over 24,000 TEUs in 2023

Statistic 42

The shipping industry faces a significant crew shortage, with estimates forecasted to reach 200,000 unfilled seafarer positions globally by 2025

Statistic 43

The average insurance premium for a large cargo ship is approximately $500,000 annually, depending on the risk profile

Statistic 44

The number of new ships ordered globally in 2022 was over 900, representing a significant increase from previous years

Statistic 45

The average delay time for ships at congested ports can be up to 5 days, adding significant costs to global supply chains

Statistic 46

The lifespan of container ships is generally between 25 to 30 years, after which they are often scrapped or repurposed

Statistic 47

The total global port capacity is projected to increase by 15% over the next decade, facilitating bigger ships and higher trade volumes

Statistic 48

The maritime industry is one of the largest employers for women at sea, accounting for approximately 2-3% of the workforce

Statistic 49

The growth of e-commerce has increased demand for faster shipping options, with an annual growth rate of 10-15% in containerized e-commerce shipments

Statistic 50

The average size of bulk carriers has increased from around 50,000 DWT in 2000 to over 200,000 DWT in 2023, meaning larger cargo capacity

Statistic 51

The shipping industry has seen a significant shift to digitalization, with over 85% of ships now having integrated digital systems

Statistic 52

The container port automation rate is expected to reach 65% by 2030, enhancing efficiency and safety

Statistic 53

The global market for maritime cybersecurity is projected to reach $950 million by 2027 due to increasing digital vulnerabilities

Statistic 54

The deployment of autonomous ships in testing phases has increased, with about 16 ships undergoing trials as of 2023

Statistic 55

The adoption rate of blockchain technology in shipping logistics is expected to reach 50% by 2025, improving transparency and security

Statistic 56

The use of AI and machine learning in navigation and logistics management is increasing, with over 35% of ships integrating such technologies by 2023

Slide 1 of 56
Share:FacebookLinkedIn
Sources

Our Reports have been cited by:

Trust Badges - Publications that have cited our reports

Key Highlights

  • The global shipping industry transports over 80% of the world's merchandise by volume
  • Container shipping accounts for approximately 60% of total global trade volume
  • The total deadweight tonnage of the world's merchant fleet exceeds 2 billion DWT
  • Approximately 90% of everything we buy is moved by shipping at some point in the supply chain
  • The shipping industry emitted about 1.0 billion tons of CO2 in 2019, accounting for roughly 2.9% of global emissions
  • The average age of the global shipping fleet is approximately 10-12 years
  • The cost of global shipping delays is estimated to be over $60 billion annually
  • Asia holds approximately 60% of the world’s container port throughput
  • The largest ship ever built is the Pioneering Spirit, used for offshore construction, with a lifting capacity of 48,000 tonnes
  • The world's largest container ship is the HMM Algeciras, with a capacity of 24,000 TEUs
  • The global shipping industry has over 50,000 commercial ships in operation
  • The average fuel consumption of a large container ship is roughly 250-300 tonnes of fuel per day
  • Approximately 75% of the global fleet is flagged under developing countries

Did you know that over 80% of the world’s merchandise is transported by the shipping industry, which also accounts for nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting its vital role and pressing environmental challenges in our interconnected world?

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

  • The shipping industry emitted about 1.0 billion tons of CO2 in 2019, accounting for roughly 2.9% of global emissions
  • The number of shipping containers lost at sea annually is estimated to be around 1,390, with the majority during storms
  • The shipping industry is responsible for about 2-3% of the world's total greenhouse gas emissions
  • The introduction of LNG-powered ships has increased, with around 600 ships either in operation or on order as of 2023
  • The shipping industry is exploring alternative fuels like ammonia, hydrogen, and biofuels to reduce emissions, with over 200 ships using alternative fuels as of 2023
  • The average speed of cargo ships has decreased from around 20 knots in the 1990s to roughly 12-14 knots in recent years to reduce fuel consumption
  • The shipping industry’s deployment of scrubbers to reduce sulfur emissions increased by 70% in 2022, highlighting focus on environmental compliance
  • Approximately 20% of the global fleet is equipped with ballast water treatment systems to prevent invasive species transfer
  • Shipping emission reduction targets set by the IMO aim for a 40% cut in greenhouse gases by 2030 compared to 2008 levels
  • The implementation of ballast water management regulations has led to over 2,000 ships worldwide retrofitting ballast water systems since 2017
  • The utilization rate of green shipping technologies increased by 55% from 2018 to 2023, reflecting a shift toward sustainability

Environmental Impact and Sustainability Interpretation

While the shipping industry remains a significant contributor to global emissions—responsible for roughly 3% of greenhouse gases—the rapid adoption of cleaner fuels, scrubbers, and green technologies signals a crucial maritime shift toward sustainability, even as the loss of over a thousand containers at sea each year reminds us that not all progress stays afloat.

Global Trade and Market Dynamics

  • The global shipping industry transports over 80% of the world's merchandise by volume
  • Container shipping accounts for approximately 60% of total global trade volume
  • Approximately 90% of everything we buy is moved by shipping at some point in the supply chain
  • The cost of global shipping delays is estimated to be over $60 billion annually
  • Asia holds approximately 60% of the world’s container port throughput
  • The global maritime insurance market is worth around $15 billion annually
  • The global shipbuilding market size was valued at approximately $170 billion in 2022
  • The Global Maritime Security Market is projected to reach $950 million by 2027
  • Ports are the primary hubs for global logistics, with over 1,200 ports handling international shipping
  • The global ship leasing market is valued at approximately $50 billion, facilitating the expansion of maritime fleets
  • The majority of global shipping routes pass through the Strait of Malacca, one of the busiest waterways, covering over 25,000 ships annually
  • The shipping industry's annual trade value exceeds $4 trillion, representing roughly 80% of global merchandise trade
  • The global maritime logistics market size is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 4.2% between 2023-2028, due to trade growth
  • The global maritime dispute resolution services market is projected to reach $2.3 billion by 2025, reflecting increased legal and arbitration needs
  • The global crisis in the supply chain due to port congestions and vessel delays has caused an average of 40% increase in freight costs since 2020

Global Trade and Market Dynamics Interpretation

With over 80% of global merchandise volume riding the seas—where a $60 billion annual delay costs more than many countries' GDP—and Asia handling 60% of container throughput amid a $170 billion shipbuilding boom, it's clear that while shipping keeps the world economy afloat, it also leaves us vulnerable to delays and disputes that threaten to sink our supply chain resilience.

Infrastructure, Regulation, and Security

  • The global port infrastructure investment is projected to reach $1.4 trillion by 2030 to accommodate growing trade
  • The average cost of port infrastructure development is around $300 million per port, depending on size and capacity

Infrastructure, Regulation, and Security Interpretation

As ports worldwide prepare to gulp down an eye-watering $1.4 trillion by 2030 to keep pace with soaring trade, the hefty $300 million price tag per port underscores that upgrading infrastructure isn't just about expansion—it's an investment in global commerce's backbone.

Maritime Industry Metrics and Performance

  • The total deadweight tonnage of the world's merchant fleet exceeds 2 billion DWT
  • The average age of the global shipping fleet is approximately 10-12 years
  • The largest ship ever built is the Pioneering Spirit, used for offshore construction, with a lifting capacity of 48,000 tonnes
  • The world's largest container ship is the HMM Algeciras, with a capacity of 24,000 TEUs
  • The global shipping industry has over 50,000 commercial ships in operation
  • The average fuel consumption of a large container ship is roughly 250-300 tonnes of fuel per day
  • Approximately 75% of the global fleet is flagged under developing countries
  • The average shipping freight rate for Asia to Europe routes increased by over 200% during 2021
  • The average lifespan of a commercial ship is around 25-30 years, depending on the type and maintenance
  • The average age of ships on the water is decreasing due to larger investments in newer ships
  • Over 2 million seafarers are employed worldwide, supporting the shipping industry
  • The average daily operating costs for a large containership are estimated at $15,000 to $20,000
  • The average vessel size in the containership sector increased from around 4,000 TEUs in 2000 to over 24,000 TEUs in 2023
  • The shipping industry faces a significant crew shortage, with estimates forecasted to reach 200,000 unfilled seafarer positions globally by 2025
  • The average insurance premium for a large cargo ship is approximately $500,000 annually, depending on the risk profile
  • The number of new ships ordered globally in 2022 was over 900, representing a significant increase from previous years
  • The average delay time for ships at congested ports can be up to 5 days, adding significant costs to global supply chains
  • The lifespan of container ships is generally between 25 to 30 years, after which they are often scrapped or repurposed
  • The total global port capacity is projected to increase by 15% over the next decade, facilitating bigger ships and higher trade volumes
  • The maritime industry is one of the largest employers for women at sea, accounting for approximately 2-3% of the workforce
  • The growth of e-commerce has increased demand for faster shipping options, with an annual growth rate of 10-15% in containerized e-commerce shipments
  • The average size of bulk carriers has increased from around 50,000 DWT in 2000 to over 200,000 DWT in 2023, meaning larger cargo capacity

Maritime Industry Metrics and Performance Interpretation

With a global fleet exceeding 2 billion DWT and an ever-expanding capacity and complexity—from giant ships lifting thousands of tonnes to congested ports delaying deliveries—the shipping industry underscores both its vital role in world trade and the pressing need for sustainable practices, crew management, and modernization amid rising demands.

Technological Innovations and Digitalization

  • The shipping industry has seen a significant shift to digitalization, with over 85% of ships now having integrated digital systems
  • The container port automation rate is expected to reach 65% by 2030, enhancing efficiency and safety
  • The global market for maritime cybersecurity is projected to reach $950 million by 2027 due to increasing digital vulnerabilities
  • The deployment of autonomous ships in testing phases has increased, with about 16 ships undergoing trials as of 2023
  • The adoption rate of blockchain technology in shipping logistics is expected to reach 50% by 2025, improving transparency and security
  • The use of AI and machine learning in navigation and logistics management is increasing, with over 35% of ships integrating such technologies by 2023

Technological Innovations and Digitalization Interpretation

As the maritime industry charts a course through digital waves—embracing automation, blockchain security, and AI navigation—it’s clear that sailing into the future now demands both tech savvy and a keen eye on cybersecurity to avoid drowning in vulnerabilities.