Introduction
The Shipping and Maritime industry is one of the oldest industries to be in operation continuously. Ever since man discovered sailing and built boats, the transfer of goods has been taking place on numerous waterways, seas, rivers, and oceans.
In 2020, the maritime industry continues to boom as greater trade and interdependence among nations prospers. In this article, we look at some fascinating yet unknown facts about the shipping industry, which not many are aware of.
However, before we begin, let us first briefly look at the history of the shipping and maritime industry in the world.
A Brief History of the Maritime Industry
Did you know that the first Container Ship set sail nearly sixty years ago from New Jersey? An aspiring businessman named Malcolm P. Mclean founded what was the first shipping container, by buying a steamship and loading actual trucks into its bay. The ship set sail from the port of New Jersey and made its way to Houston, thereby starting a glorious chapter in the world’s maritime trade industry.
The shipping industry came into being after adventurers looked to ensure the security of their cargo. Inland travel was becoming dangerous as cargoes were being intercepted by dacoits. This made tradesmen explore the seas in search of safer avenues to transport goods.
According to documents, the first sea routes used for trade were discovered between present-day India and Pakistan, around 5000 years back. If you are familiar with the geography, you will know that the sea route we are referring to is the Arabian Sea.
Mariners used the first known compass called an ‘Astrolabe’ to see the position of the sun, moon and different planets to find routes on the sea. The people of Rome had at the same time, started experimenting with small boats, which were being used to ferry grains across the Mediterranean.
List of Interesting Facts about the Shipping and Maritime Industry
In this section, we are going to look at some interesting facts, which most are unaware of about the shipping and maritime industry.
- The entire global shipping and maritime industry contribute to about 90% of the total world trade. Around 7% is attributed to flights; while a mere, 3% is carried out by land.
- According to environmentalists, shipping is a much greener mode of transporting goods than flights or land-based vehicles like trucks.
- Data suggest that at any point in time, no less than 20 Million Container Ships are in action on the seas together.
- The average engine power of a Container Ship is close to 100,000 BHP. This is roughly about a thousand times the power of a normal passenger vehicle (100 BHP).
- The biggest Container Ships in the world can carry over 11,000 Containers on their holding bays and decks at a single point.
- The Shipping Industry globally employs nearly 2 Million people. Making it one of the largest employers in the world.
- Nearly 2/3rds of all Ships at Sea have no Communication available to them when they are at sea. A lesser-known fact is that only 10% of the ships have Internet Connectivity.
- The construction cost of a Container Ship can cost the company upwards of $200 Million Dollars! This is the most expensive model of transportation ever.
- The Shipping and Maritime Industry helped the British set up the biggest Colonial Empire in the world.
- The Suez Canal passes more than 80 ships and 10 Million Tons of goods through its waters every single day.
Major Challenges to the Shipping and Maritime Industry in 2020
Experts state that in the past few years, hostile international relations are having a detrimental impact on the shipping and maritime industry. The politicization of international waters is acting as a major hindrance to the industry. In addition, the increased activity of pirates on the sea is also forcing many ships to go for Maritime Protection AS.
The shipping industry has also been criticized for not being aggressive when it comes to adopting technological advancements. This is especially true in the area of communications and security. Operators and governments have started taking a keen interest in modernizing ports and improving infrastructure to help the shipping and maritime industry flourish.
