GITNUXREPORT 2025

Supply Chain In The Shipping Industry Statistics

Maritime shipping dominates global trade, faces sustainability, efficiency, and security challenges.

Jannik Linder

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

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The global shipping industry's carbon emissions account for about 2-3% of global greenhouse gas emissions

Statistic 2

The average age of ships in the global fleet is around 20 years, which impacts fuel efficiency and emissions

Statistic 3

The average container ship consumes roughly 250 tons of fuel per day, contributing significantly to operational costs and emissions

Statistic 4

Shipping companies are increasingly adopting green technologies, with over 40% investing in alternative fuels such as LNG to reduce emissions

Statistic 5

Environmental regulations such as IMO 2020 have led to a 30% reduction in sulfur emissions from ships since 2020, improving air quality around port areas

Statistic 6

Container ship sizes have grown so large that they require ports to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in infrastructure upgrades, including deeper channels and bigger cranes

Statistic 7

The global supply chain management market is valued at approximately $21.4 billion as of 2023

Statistic 8

The average container ship capacity has increased from 4,300 TEUs in 2000 to over 23,000 TEUs in 2023

Statistic 9

Container throughput at the world’s busiest ports has grown by 50% over the last decade

Statistic 10

The global maritime logistics market is projected to reach $575 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of about 4.3%

Statistic 11

The number of mega-ships (over 20,000 TEUs) has doubled since 2018, enhancing economies of scale

Statistic 12

The global cold chain logistics market is expected to reach $530 billion by 2027, driven by food safety and pharmaceuticals

Statistic 13

The maritime industry employs over 1.65 million seafarers globally, representing a vital segment of the shipping supply chain

Statistic 14

The shipping industry’s global workforce is projected to grow by 12% over the next five years, primarily in Asia and Africa

Statistic 15

The global marine insurance market is valued at approximately $35 billion, supporting shipping operations worldwide

Statistic 16

The increase in global trade volume has led to a doubling of shipping container throughput in the last 20 years, reaching over 700 million TEUs annually

Statistic 17

The global demand for freight transportation services is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% from 2023 to 2030, driven by e-commerce and globalization

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The share of women in the maritime workforce is around 2%, indicating a significant gender gap in the industry

Statistic 19

The adoption of cloud-based supply chain management solutions has increased by over 60% from 2018 to 2023, supporting real-time tracking and analytics

Statistic 20

The total global shipbuilding order backlog reached over 600 ships as of 2023, reflecting ongoing demand for new vessels

Statistic 21

The growth rate for air freight in the shipping industry is approximately 4-5% annually, complementing maritime logistics for time-sensitive goods

Statistic 22

The use of big data analytics in shipping supply chains increased by more than 70% from 2019 to 2022, enabling better decision-making

Statistic 23

The offsetting of shipping emissions through carbon credits is projected to grow by 25% annually over the next decade, as industry commitments increase

Statistic 24

70% of global shipping companies are investing in digital transformation to improve efficiency

Statistic 25

The implementation of blockchain in the shipping supply chain has reduced documentation processing time by up to 40%

Statistic 26

The average age of port cranes is about 30 years, and many are being modernized or replaced to improve efficiency

Statistic 27

The shipping industry’s annual expenditure on technology and innovation is estimated at around $1.5 billion, aimed at automation and digitization

Statistic 28

The development of autonomous ships is projected to reduce crew-related costs by up to 30% in the next decade

Statistic 29

The use of AI in route optimization has decreased fuel consumption by approximately 10-15% for shipping companies, leading to lower emissions and costs

Statistic 30

The average damage rate for cargo in transit is estimated at roughly 0.3%, mostly due to mishandling or poor packaging

Statistic 31

About 25% of all shipping containers are either empty or underutilized at any given time, representing inefficiencies in the supply chain

Statistic 32

The average port ICC (International Cargo Code) handling capacity has increased by 30% in the last decade due to automation

Statistic 33

The implementation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in ships and ports has increased by over 200% since 2018, enhancing real-time data collection

Statistic 34

The average annual maintenance cost for ships is estimated at about 4-8% of their value, emphasizing the importance of effective maintenance

Statistic 35

Nearly 75% of ports globally have adopted some form of digitalization, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced paper-based processes

Statistic 36

The average turnaround time for ships at major ports has decreased by 20% over the last five years due to operational efficiencies

Statistic 37

Approximately 80% of goods globally are transported via maritime shipping

Statistic 38

Over 90% of international trade by volume is carried by ships

Statistic 39

The shipping industry faces an estimated $43 billion in annual theft and cargo loss

Statistic 40

The average shipping container takes approximately 50 days to travel from Asia to North America

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Supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19 led to a 30% increase in shipping costs globally in 2021

Statistic 42

In 2022, the global shipping industry recorded approximately 100,000 port calls worldwide

Statistic 43

The average logistics cost as a percentage of GDP is around 10% globally, with higher percentages in developing countries

Statistic 44

Around 15% of global container shipments are delayed beyond their scheduled arrival, impacting supply chain timelines

Statistic 45

About 60% of shipping containers worldwide are now equipped with GPS tracking devices, improving transparency

Statistic 46

In 2023, more than 50% of global container port throughput was handled by the top 20 ports, indicating port concentration

Statistic 47

The average time for customs clearance across major shipping routes can range from 2 to 10 days, affecting lead times

Statistic 48

Container shipping rates increased by over 150% during the peak pandemic period of 2021, causing cost surges worldwide

Statistic 49

Approximately 52% of global trade depends on maritime shipping, making it the backbone of international commerce

Statistic 50

Over 65% of global shipping freight is transported in containers, underscoring the importance of containerization

Statistic 51

Shipping delays cost the global economy approximately $50 billion annually due to late deliveries and operational inefficiencies

Statistic 52

Over 90% of global trade in electronics and high-value goods is carried by sea, emphasizing the importance of secure and efficient shipping

Statistic 53

The average congestion time at key ports globally can range from 2 to 7 days during peak periods, widening supply chain delays

Statistic 54

The supply chain in the shipping industry contributes approximately 4% to global GDP, highlighting its economic significance

Statistic 55

The average lead time from order to delivery in international shipping can range from 30 to 60 days, depending on the route and efficiency

Statistic 56

Over 60% of shipping logistics companies have reported cyberattacks in the past year, emphasizing the need for improved cybersecurity measures

Statistic 57

The global trade of perishable items relies heavily on cold chain logistics, which account for about 7% of the total shipping industry revenue

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Key Highlights

The global supply chain management market is valued at approximately $21.4 billion as of 2023
Approximately 80% of goods globally are transported via maritime shipping
The average container ship capacity has increased from 4,300 TEUs in 2000 to over 23,000 TEUs in 2023
Over 90% of international trade by volume is carried by ships
The global shipping industry's carbon emissions account for about 2-3% of global greenhouse gas emissions
The shipping industry faces an estimated $43 billion in annual theft and cargo loss
The average shipping container takes approximately 50 days to travel from Asia to North America
Container throughput at the world’s busiest ports has grown by 50% over the last decade
Supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19 led to a 30% increase in shipping costs globally in 2021
70% of global shipping companies are investing in digital transformation to improve efficiency
The average age of ships in the global fleet is around 20 years, which impacts fuel efficiency and emissions
The global maritime logistics market is projected to reach $575 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of about 4.3%
The number of mega-ships (over 20,000 TEUs) has doubled since 2018, enhancing economies of scale

The shipping industry, the backbone of over 70% of global trade, is experiencing rapid transformation driven by massive vessel innovations, digital advancements, and mounting environmental responsibilities—all amid annual costs exceeding $50 billion from delays and cargo losses.

Environmental Impact and Regulations

The global shipping industry's carbon emissions account for about 2-3% of global greenhouse gas emissions
The average age of ships in the global fleet is around 20 years, which impacts fuel efficiency and emissions
The average container ship consumes roughly 250 tons of fuel per day, contributing significantly to operational costs and emissions
Shipping companies are increasingly adopting green technologies, with over 40% investing in alternative fuels such as LNG to reduce emissions
Environmental regulations such as IMO 2020 have led to a 30% reduction in sulfur emissions from ships since 2020, improving air quality around port areas

Environmental Impact and Regulations Interpretation

While the global shipping industry contributes a notable 2-3% to greenhouse emissions, modern advancements and stricter regulations like IMO 2020 are steering it toward greener horizons, yet the persistent age of ships and hefty fuel consumption underscore the urgent need for more innovative, sustainable solutions in the maritime supply chain.

Infrastructure and Infrastructure Assets

Container ship sizes have grown so large that they require ports to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in infrastructure upgrades, including deeper channels and bigger cranes

Infrastructure and Infrastructure Assets Interpretation

As container ships swell to colossal proportions, ports are scrambling to keep pace, transforming local waterways and dockyards into maritime megastructures—proving that in shipping, bigger truly demands bolder infrastructure investments.

Market Size and Growth Dynamics

The global supply chain management market is valued at approximately $21.4 billion as of 2023
The average container ship capacity has increased from 4,300 TEUs in 2000 to over 23,000 TEUs in 2023
Container throughput at the world’s busiest ports has grown by 50% over the last decade
The global maritime logistics market is projected to reach $575 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of about 4.3%
The number of mega-ships (over 20,000 TEUs) has doubled since 2018, enhancing economies of scale
The global cold chain logistics market is expected to reach $530 billion by 2027, driven by food safety and pharmaceuticals
The maritime industry employs over 1.65 million seafarers globally, representing a vital segment of the shipping supply chain
The shipping industry’s global workforce is projected to grow by 12% over the next five years, primarily in Asia and Africa
The global marine insurance market is valued at approximately $35 billion, supporting shipping operations worldwide
The increase in global trade volume has led to a doubling of shipping container throughput in the last 20 years, reaching over 700 million TEUs annually
The global demand for freight transportation services is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% from 2023 to 2030, driven by e-commerce and globalization
The share of women in the maritime workforce is around 2%, indicating a significant gender gap in the industry
The adoption of cloud-based supply chain management solutions has increased by over 60% from 2018 to 2023, supporting real-time tracking and analytics
The total global shipbuilding order backlog reached over 600 ships as of 2023, reflecting ongoing demand for new vessels
The growth rate for air freight in the shipping industry is approximately 4-5% annually, complementing maritime logistics for time-sensitive goods
The use of big data analytics in shipping supply chains increased by more than 70% from 2019 to 2022, enabling better decision-making
The offsetting of shipping emissions through carbon credits is projected to grow by 25% annually over the next decade, as industry commitments increase

Market Size and Growth Dynamics Interpretation

As global trade sails into a $21.4 billion management market boosted by massive mega-ships doubling in size and a 50% surge in port throughput, the shipping industry is steering toward a future where digital analytics, greener practices, and a diverse workforce—albeit still gender-imbalanced—are charting course alongside the undeniable growth of international commerce.

Operational Efficiency and Technology Advancements

70% of global shipping companies are investing in digital transformation to improve efficiency
The implementation of blockchain in the shipping supply chain has reduced documentation processing time by up to 40%
The average age of port cranes is about 30 years, and many are being modernized or replaced to improve efficiency
The shipping industry’s annual expenditure on technology and innovation is estimated at around $1.5 billion, aimed at automation and digitization
The development of autonomous ships is projected to reduce crew-related costs by up to 30% in the next decade
The use of AI in route optimization has decreased fuel consumption by approximately 10-15% for shipping companies, leading to lower emissions and costs
The average damage rate for cargo in transit is estimated at roughly 0.3%, mostly due to mishandling or poor packaging
About 25% of all shipping containers are either empty or underutilized at any given time, representing inefficiencies in the supply chain
The average port ICC (International Cargo Code) handling capacity has increased by 30% in the last decade due to automation
The implementation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in ships and ports has increased by over 200% since 2018, enhancing real-time data collection
The average annual maintenance cost for ships is estimated at about 4-8% of their value, emphasizing the importance of effective maintenance
Nearly 75% of ports globally have adopted some form of digitalization, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced paper-based processes
The average turnaround time for ships at major ports has decreased by 20% over the last five years due to operational efficiencies

Operational Efficiency and Technology Advancements Interpretation

As the shipping industry invests billions in digital transformation—ranging from blockchain to AI and IoT—it's quietly navigating towards a future where efficiency, automation, and data-driven decisions are sailing at the helm, even as aging cranes and underutilized containers remind us that old habits still challenge progress.

Trade and Supply Chain Logistics

Approximately 80% of goods globally are transported via maritime shipping
Over 90% of international trade by volume is carried by ships
The shipping industry faces an estimated $43 billion in annual theft and cargo loss
The average shipping container takes approximately 50 days to travel from Asia to North America
Supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19 led to a 30% increase in shipping costs globally in 2021
In 2022, the global shipping industry recorded approximately 100,000 port calls worldwide
The average logistics cost as a percentage of GDP is around 10% globally, with higher percentages in developing countries
Around 15% of global container shipments are delayed beyond their scheduled arrival, impacting supply chain timelines
About 60% of shipping containers worldwide are now equipped with GPS tracking devices, improving transparency
In 2023, more than 50% of global container port throughput was handled by the top 20 ports, indicating port concentration
The average time for customs clearance across major shipping routes can range from 2 to 10 days, affecting lead times
Container shipping rates increased by over 150% during the peak pandemic period of 2021, causing cost surges worldwide
Approximately 52% of global trade depends on maritime shipping, making it the backbone of international commerce
Over 65% of global shipping freight is transported in containers, underscoring the importance of containerization
Shipping delays cost the global economy approximately $50 billion annually due to late deliveries and operational inefficiencies
Over 90% of global trade in electronics and high-value goods is carried by sea, emphasizing the importance of secure and efficient shipping
The average congestion time at key ports globally can range from 2 to 7 days during peak periods, widening supply chain delays
The supply chain in the shipping industry contributes approximately 4% to global GDP, highlighting its economic significance
The average lead time from order to delivery in international shipping can range from 30 to 60 days, depending on the route and efficiency
Over 60% of shipping logistics companies have reported cyberattacks in the past year, emphasizing the need for improved cybersecurity measures
The global trade of perishable items relies heavily on cold chain logistics, which account for about 7% of the total shipping industry revenue

Trade and Supply Chain Logistics Interpretation

With maritime shipping transporting over 90% of global trade yet battling a $43 billion annual theft toll and congestion delays stretching from 2 to 7 days, it’s clear that the industry’s vast economic significance is matched only by its urgent need for smarter, safer, and more resilient logistics—lest the world’s supply chains drown in delays and losses.