Global Trade Development's Key Driver International Maritime Logistics

The Powerful Engine of Global Trade International Maritime Logistics

In the wave of globalization development today, international maritime logistics plays a crucial role. It is not only the bridge connecting markets around the world but also a powerful engine driving global economic development. As one of the main transportation methods in international trade, maritime transport occupies a core position in the global supply chain with its characteristics of low cost and high capacity.

For example, in 2025, according to data from the World Shipping Council, about 90% of goods worldwide were transported by sea. This proportion fully demonstrates the dominant position of maritime transport in global trade. Whether it's daily consumer goods or industrial raw materials, from Asia to Europe, from Africa to America, countless goods rely on an efficient international maritime network to achieve cross-border circulation. For instance, China, as the largest manufacturing base in the world, exports a large amount of products such as electronics and textiles via maritime transport to all over the world; while the oil resources in the Middle East are shipped to Europe and America via tankers to meet energy demands. These cases demonstrate the significant role that international maritime logistics play in promoting economic exchanges and cooperation among countries.

At the same time, with the advancement of technology and the enhancement of environmental awareness, modern international maritime industry is undergoing profound changes. On one hand, the application of digital technology has made port operations more intelligent, improving loading and unloading efficiency and reducing operating costs. For example, Rotterdam Port in the Netherlands introduced advanced automation systems, achieving unmanned container handling operations, which significantly enhanced throughput capacity. On the other hand, the concept of green shipping is gradually gaining popularity, and major shipping companies are investing in developing new energy-saving ships and adopting cleaner fuels to replace traditional heavy oil, aiming to reduce carbon emissions. At the beginning of this year, Maersk announced plans to build the world's first carbon-neutral container ship, marking an important step towards sustainable development in the industry.

International maritime logistics also face many challenges. In recent years, affected by factors such as geopolitical conflicts, epidemics, and climate change, the global supply chain has been under continuous pressure. Especially during the epidemic, due to epidemic prevention lockdown measures, frequent port congestion occurred, extending the waiting time for cargo ships, which in turn pushed up freight rates. According to Drewry Shipping Consultants statistics, the average freight rate of the trans-Pacific route in 2025 increased nearly two times compared to the previous year. Despite this, countries and enterprises are actively seeking solutions, such as optimizing route planning and strengthening infrastructure construction, to try to alleviate the tense situation of the supply chain.

Looking ahead, international maritime logistics will continue to maintain strong development momentum. On one hand, the rise of emerging market countries brings new growth points to global trade, especially Southeast Asia is becoming an important production base and consumer market, attracting more and more multinational corporations to layout here. On the other hand, with the deepening implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, the degree of interconnection between countries along the line is continuously increasing, creating more opportunities for international maritime logistics. It can be foreseen that, with joint efforts, international maritime logistics will undoubtedly become an important pillar supporting global economic prosperity.