Trade is steady but average voyage length up 9% since 2018

Every year unctad’s Checking the shipping of marine Reading the compass provides an industry that moves more than 80 % of the world trade ..

Version 2025 makes one thing on: This sector is not only confronted with disorders but is evolving in a major evolution.. ..

“Not since the closure of the Suez Canal in 1967, we have witnessed such a sustainable disorder in the world trade arteries,UNCTAD Secretary -General Rebecca Greenspan says in his preface ..

Data show both resistance and fragility, while predicting policies shows what should be done to direct world transport to safer and more stable waters.

The trade is constant, but the routes are longer

• The volume of world trade seborne was obtained 12.7 billion tons in 20242.2 % higher than average decade but lower than long -term trends ..
• Ton Miles increased 5.9 %A record jump, as the ships were moving around Cape Hope to prevent the dangers of the Red Sea. The average travel length is currently from 5,200 sea miles, which has increased by almost 9 % since 2018.
• Container cargo over 6 % In 2024, led by the East and West currents and the boom of trade from the south – south .. but it is predicted that growth will only be done quickly 1.4 % In 2025, he referred to geopolitics.

Policy prediction: The continuous restore of vulnerable economies, especially low -developed countries and small island countries exposes higher costs and delays.

Strategic investments in the corridors of transportation and port connection are very important to reduce fragility.

The fleet expands, but the future is uneven

• In The World Businessmen Fleet rose in 2024Supported by orders placed during the boom after kaws
• However the fleet is AgingVat Ship recycling hit the lowest historical level Because of the company’s income and the limited yard capacity
• More than Half of new orders for alternative fuel shipsBut more than 90 percent active fleet still works on fossil fuels

Policy prediction: Transfer of energy is changing shipping. Ports and ship owners must be prepared for longer transportation, a growing share of low carbon cargo, and the regulatory pressure on the IMO medium -term greenhouse gas emissions expected to be expected in late 2025.

Pressure ports in the midst of opportunity

• Port calls grown in 2024 only as a very moderate deformation capacity and congestion
• Asian hubs reinforced their bush connection, while Africa saw most of the gains from the reconstruction of the route
• Digitalization becomes a decisive factor: ports that adopt single Windows and community systems are reducing clearance time and boosting competition.

Policy prediction: The ports should criteria the performance using global indicators such as the UNCTAD port business card. Concurrent relief requires customs integration, carriers and terminals, along with automation. Creating a pervasive workforce is essential, expanding women’s participation in technical and operational roles supports both justice and digital readiness.

Legal and regulatory currents

• Hong Kong Convention on Ship Recycling Finally arrived
• The work is progressing on a code for seafarers (Mass)
• Supervisory Supervision is on the rise in the case of fraud registrations
• Most important of all, sailing rights – return, beach leave, fair treatment – are increasingly recognized as a global priority

Policy prediction: Maritime regulations from ship hardware to human capital are changing. Protecting the welfare of the sailors, the implementation of responsible recycling, and addressing emerging technologies such as independence defines the next stage of management.

What is it for the industry

The numbers in the UNCTAD report show a system that is moving over longer cargoes.

• Invest in the connection and infrastructure to attract shock
• Toward decarbonisation and Green Port Preprying
• Use digitalization and data collaboration to build transparent and efficient supply chains
• Prioritization of human pervasive capital, ensuring that both sailors and port workers are equipped for the future

The real question is not whether maritime transport will be adapted, the question is whether this adaptation will be strategically, fair and sustainable.

UNCTAD’s review of the 2025 maritime transport provides the basis of evidence. Now it is related to policymakers, ship owners, port officials and logistics leaders to convert insights into action.

Rebeca Grynsspan repeats UNCTAD support to handle these disorders “Unctad is ready to support this change. Through research that is clear, technical cooperation that creates capacity and consensus and brings all the sounds globally, regional and national to the table, we strive to make sure that these transfers will not leave anyone.“

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