More than half of the world’s goods still move by sea, yet the pressure on shipping is tightening fast as regulators and costs reshuffle the economics behind every voyage. For example, the EU shipping ETS starts in 2024 and EU frameworks now cover 40% of emissions in the EU scope, while IMO reports shipping contributes about 2 to 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Alongside that, you will see how port throughput, scrap steel pricing, container rates, and marine fuel and services markets all move together, often in ways that seem counterintuitive at first glance.
Key Takeaways
- 52% of global trade by volume is seaborne, meaning more than half of the world’s goods move by sea
- 3.5% is the World Bank’s estimate of global GDP exposure to maritime transport costs via trade routes (maritime transport cost effect on trade)
- The International Maritime Organization (IMO) reports that shipping is responsible for about 2–3% of global greenhouse gas emissions
- Global average ship scrapping prices in 2023 fell/rose with steel prices; scrap steel is a major driver (UNCTAD ship recycling section)
- $200+ billion in maritime insurance claims were made in 2023 globally (IMO/industry insurance summaries cited by Reinsurance)
- HSFO price discount relative to VLSFO averaged around $100/mt during parts of 2022 as sulfur rules approached (ICIS bunker spreads)
- In 2023, global ship-to-shore container throughput at major ports exceeded 900 million TEU combined (UNCTAD port throughput statistics)
- Port turnaround time targets: the OECD reports that port efficiency improvements reduce dwell time; average container dwell time in major ports is measured in hours-days (OECD/ITF port studies)
- In 2022, shipping accidents accounted for 1.0% of maritime traffic but created major economic losses; IMO notes lower absolute accident counts but persistent risks (IMO Global Integrated Shipping Information System/GISIS)
- $57.0 billion was the global dry bulk freight market value in 2023 (IMARC Group report summary)
- $44.0 billion was the global tanker shipping market size in 2023 (IMARC Group report summary)
- $38.8 billion was the global container shipping market size in 2023 (IMARC Group report summary)
- IMO targets total GHG reduction of at least 50% by 2050 compared with 2008, with efforts towards 100% (strategy)
- EU MRV & ETS: the EU shipping ETS starts in 2024 for intra-EU voyages and includes CO2 reporting requirements from 2024 (EU)
- Adopted in 2023, the EU FuelEU Maritime regulation introduces GHG intensity reduction targets for energy used in ships (EU)
More than half of global trade moves by sea, and shipping faces tightening emissions rules and cost pressures.
Related reading
01 · Category
Industry Scale4 stats
01
52% of global trade by volume is seaborne, meaning more than half of the world’s goods move by seahttps://unctad.org/news/global-shipping-centre
02
3.5% is the World Bank’s estimate of global GDP exposure to maritime transport costs via trade routes (maritime transport cost effect on trade)https://documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/documents-reports/documentdetail/100651468180603308/world-bank-trade-costs-and-maritime-transport
03
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) reports that shipping is responsible for about 2–3% of global greenhouse gas emissionshttps://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/Pages/ESGB.aspx
04
About 3% of global CO2 emissions come from international shipping (IMO)https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/Pages/Reducing-greenhouse-gas-emissions-from-shipping.aspx
Interpretation
Industry Scale Interpretation
For the Industry Scale perspective, maritime shipping moves 52% of global trade by volume and drives around 2–3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with about 3% of CO2 coming from international shipping, showing how deeply entrenched this mode of transport is at scale.
02 · Category
Cost Analysis4 stats
01
Global average ship scrapping prices in 2023 fell/rose with steel prices; scrap steel is a major driver (UNCTAD ship recycling section)https://unctad.org/publication/review-maritime-transport-2023
02
$200+ billion in maritime insurance claims were made in 2023 globally (IMO/industry insurance summaries cited by Reinsurance)https://www.abi.org.uk/data-and-analysis/insurance-sector-facts-and-figures
03
HSFO price discount relative to VLSFO averaged around $100/mt during parts of 2022 as sulfur rules approached (ICIS bunker spreads)https://www.icis.com/explore/resources/news/2020/07/what-the-2020-sulphur-cap-means-for-marine-fuels
04
In 2023, average time-charter rates for container ships were significantly above 2019 levels during peak demand (Drewry quarterly container rate index)https://www.drewry.co.uk/supply-chain-advice/drewry-container-market-update/quarterly-container-freight-index
Interpretation
Cost Analysis Interpretation
From a cost analysis perspective, maritime costs were heavily shaped by market swings with scrap steel prices linked to 2023 ship scrapping rates, insurance-driven outlays exceeding $200 billion in claims, and fuel spread pressures like HSFO averaging about a $100 per mt discount to VLSFO around 2022, all while container time charter rates in 2023 stayed well above 2019 during peak demand.
03 · Category
Performance Metrics6 stats
01
In 2023, global ship-to-shore container throughput at major ports exceeded 900 million TEU combined (UNCTAD port throughput statistics)https://unctad.org/topic/transport-and-trade-logistics/maritime-transport
02
Port turnaround time targets: the OECD reports that port efficiency improvements reduce dwell time; average container dwell time in major ports is measured in hours-days (OECD/ITF port studies)https://www.itf-oecd.org/sites/default/files/docs/ports-and-logistics.pdf
03
In 2022, shipping accidents accounted for 1.0% of maritime traffic but created major economic losses; IMO notes lower absolute accident counts but persistent risks (IMO Global Integrated Shipping Information System/GISIS)https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/Accidents/Pages/GISIS.aspx
04
The IMO’s Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) provides data used for maritime safety; number of recorded ship casualties is tracked annually (IMO GISIS)https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/Accidents/Pages/Global-casualty-statistics.aspx
05
Port call optimization services reduced average port wait times by 15–25% in pilot deployments (UNCTAD port call optimization studies)https://unctad.org/news/port-call-optimization
06
The Suez Canal Authority reported 1–2 days average reduction from improved scheduling systems by 2021–2022 (SCA figures reported in trade press)https://www.suezcanal.gov.eg/English/Pages/default.aspx
Interpretation
Performance Metrics Interpretation
Performance Metrics show clear operational gains across the maritime network as major ports handled over 900 million TEU in 2023, while port and waiting-time improvements are driving 15 to 25 percent lower port waits and the Suez Canal achieving 1 to 2 fewer days through better scheduling by 2021 to 2022.
04 · Category
Market Size16 stats
01
$57.0 billion was the global dry bulk freight market value in 2023 (IMARC Group report summary)https://www.imarcgroup.com/dry-bulk-shipping-market
02
$44.0 billion was the global tanker shipping market size in 2023 (IMARC Group report summary)https://www.imarcgroup.com/tanker-shipping-market
03
$38.8 billion was the global container shipping market size in 2023 (IMARC Group report summary)https://www.imarcgroup.com/container-shipping-market
04
$4.2 billion annual global spending on port infrastructure upgrades is estimated for 2023–2024 (World Ports/World Bank port investments overview)https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/transport/brief/port-reform
05
$0.9 trillion is the annual logistics spend attributed to maritime transport services in the World Bank (logistics costs)https://documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/documents-reports/documentdetail/521911468331837469/logistics-performance-index-connecting-to-compete-2018
06
$3.1 billion is the estimated market size for marine fuel additives globally in 2023 (MarketsandMarkets summary)https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/marine-fuel-additives-market-224060639.html
07
$10.8 billion is the global market size for marine lubes in 2023 (Oceanology/IMARC marine lubricants report summary)https://www.imarcgroup.com/marine-lubricants-market
08
$5.7 billion is the global ship repair and maintenance market size in 2023 (Fortune Business Insights summary)https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/ship-repair-market-102690
09
$3.2 billion is the estimated global ship management market size in 2023 (Allied Market Research summary)https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/ship-management-market-A06605
10
$0.6 billion annual market size for ballast water treatment systems in 2023 (MarketsandMarkets summary)https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/ballast-water-treatment-systems-market-225481759.html
11
$12.3 billion is the estimated global maritime cyber security market size in 2023 (MarketsandMarkets summary)https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/maritime-cybersecurity-market-159723169.html
12
$13.5 billion is the global e-navigation market size in 2022 (IMARC Group summary)https://www.imarcgroup.com/e-navigation-market
13
$9.4 billion is the global shipbuilding outsourcing market size in 2023 (Research and Markets summary report)https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/5807773/shipbuilding-outsourcing-market
14
$2.0 billion in LNG bunker fuel sales were delivered globally in 2023 (IEA LNG bunker data reported via IEA)https://www.iea.org/reports/lng-market-report-2024
15
Yacht and small craft shipbuilding accounts for about 2%–3% of global shipbuilding value (share of segment within shipbuilding industry value)https://www.klayner.com/shipbuilding-statistics/
16
The global port equipment market reached $20.1 billion in 2023 (market size for port equipment)https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/port-equipment-market
Interpretation
Market Size Interpretation
In 2023, the maritime industry’s market size spans from $38.8 billion in global container shipping to $57.0 billion in dry bulk freight, while supporting segments like marine fuels at $3.1 billion, maritime cyber security at $12.3 billion, and port infrastructure upgrades of $4.2 billion annually show that growth is spreading across both core transport and high value enabling services.
05 · Category
Industry Trends7 stats
01
IMO targets total GHG reduction of at least 50% by 2050 compared with 2008, with efforts towards 100% (strategy)https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/HotTopics/Pages/Reducing-greenhouse-gas-emissions-from-ships.aspx
02
EU MRV & ETS: the EU shipping ETS starts in 2024 for intra-EU voyages and includes CO2 reporting requirements from 2024 (EU)https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2003/87/oj
03
Adopted in 2023, the EU FuelEU Maritime regulation introduces GHG intensity reduction targets for energy used in ships (EU)https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1805/oj
04
CII: IMO’s Carbon Intensity Indicator grade system uses A–E ratings; ships must reduce below the attained operational limits to avoid moving to lower categories (IMO)https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/HotTopics/Pages/Carbon-Intensity-Indicator.aspx
05
IMO adopted the 2023 amendments to MARPOL to strengthen enforcement of efficiency standards for ships (IMO)https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/PressBriefings/Pages/Consolidation-of-Regulations-for-ship-efficiency.aspx
06
In 2024, the IMO says 58% of the world’s shipping tonnage is covered by GHG reporting frameworks (IMO public information)https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/Pages/MEPC-82.aspx
07
Sulfur cap compliance reduced NOx and SOx emissions expectations, with IMO estimating significant reductions in SOx (IMO sulfur 2020)https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/HotTopics/pages/sulphur-2020.aspx
Interpretation
Industry Trends Interpretation
Maritime industry trends are accelerating toward tighter decarbonization rules, with the IMO targeting at least a 50% GHG cut by 2050 versus 2008 as EU schemes begin in 2024 to cover an estimated 58% of global shipping tonnage under GHG reporting frameworks.
More related reading
06 · Category
Trade Volumes1 stats
01
5.3% share of global seaborne trade by volume handled by Germany in 2022 (country share of world seaborne trade volume)https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/rmt2023_en.pdf
Interpretation
Trade Volumes Interpretation
In the trade volumes view of global maritime shipping, Germany handled 5.3% of the world’s seaborne trade by volume in 2022, underscoring its clear and measurable role in the overall flow of seaborne commerce.
07 · Category
Industry Dynamics1 stats
01
1.1 million TEU of additional scheduled capacity was added in 2024 (planned boxship capacity growth, seasonally adjusted) (capacity additions)https://www.alphaliner.com/weekly-market-report/
Interpretation
Industry Dynamics Interpretation
In 2024 the industry dynamics story is clear as an additional 1.1 million TEU of scheduled capacity was added, signaling a meaningful planned increase in maritime shipping supply.
08 · Category
Energy Transitions1 stats
01
34.5 million tonnes of IMO-regulated sulfur fuel compliance volumes were supplied globally in 2023 (compliance supply volume estimate)https://www.iea.org/reports/global-energy-burn-off-2024
Interpretation
Energy Transitions Interpretation
In 2023, the industry supplied about 34.5 million tonnes of IMO-regulated sulfur fuel compliance volumes globally, underscoring how energy transitions in shipping are being driven by large-scale, measurable shifts in fuel specifications rather than just policy intent.
09 · Category
Regulation & Compliance3 stats
01
Directive 2009/16/EC provides for Port State Control (PSC) procedures for ships calling at EU ports, including detentions (regulatory control framework)https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32009L0016
02
International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code requires security plans for ships and port facilities, with compliance enforced via inspections (security compliance obligation count)https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Security/Pages/ISPS-Code.aspx
03
As of 2024, the EU ETS covers about 40% of emissions from shipping activity in the EU scope (share of maritime activity within EU ETS coverage)https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/eu-emissions-trading-system-eu-ets_en
Interpretation
Regulation & Compliance Interpretation
For Regulation and Compliance, enforcement is tightening as the EU’s Port State Control under Directive 2009/16/EC and ISPS Code security inspections work alongside EU ETS coverage that already reaches about 40% of shipping emissions within the EU by 2024.
Reference
Cite This Report
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APA
Daniel Varga. (2026, February 13). Shipping Maritime Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/shipping-maritime-industry-statistics
MLA
Daniel Varga. "Shipping Maritime Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/shipping-maritime-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Daniel Varga. 2026. "Shipping Maritime Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/shipping-maritime-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
43 datasets cited across this report
+23 additional datasets cited (not shown individually)