Sea freight shipping is a well-known alternative that provides shippers with transport services at a reasonable price range for anyone moving cargo worldwide. It is considered the safest way to ship cargo around the globe. As such, its popularity continues to increase year after year.
Seas and rivers cover most of our earth, so it is one of the most accessible methods for moving freight. In actuality, the global shipping sector transports more than 90% of the commodities that are moved worldwide. But why should a shipper think about using ocean shipping when there are other choices like air, rail and road transit?
There are a few main reasons why sea freight transport remains the number one choice for global trade and logistics. Some include low operating cost, high-security level, efficient transport, time savings, etc. Let’s have a look below.
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5 benefits of the sea freight transport system
Low Operating Cost
Operating a container ship is cheaper than running other types of transport. The operation starts with the loading and unloading of goods which take place on land. Once this process is complete, the container ship will load different cargoes from worldwide ports. From there, it travels to its destination, where the process repeats itself. Operational costs range from about $10 million to about $20 million, depending on the vessel’s size. In addition, the crew’s salaries also contribute to the overall budget.
High-Security Level
Container ships have higher levels of security compared to land-based modes of transport. They use highly trained staff that monitor the entire journey. This includes monitoring cameras, tracking devices, GPS systems and even guards. All these measures ensure that no dangerous materials enter the wrong hands en route.
Efficient Transport
Container ships can travel long distances because they do not require refuelling. Unlike aeroplanes, they don’t need to stop every few hours to rest. Instead, they can continue to operate 24/7 without any delays. This means they can reach their destinations faster than other forms of transport.
Time Saving
The average speed of a container ship is about 12 knots (about 20 miles per hour). This makes them ideal for transporting cargo between continents. It saves time when compared to land-based vehicles like trucks and trains. A truck would need about 10 days to cover the same distance as a container ship.
Environment friendly
Air travel and many other modes of transportation have far greater carbon footprints when compared to ocean shipping, which is detrimental to the environment. The least carbon-intensive transportation is provided by ships, which emit less exhaust gas per tonne of cargo than any other shipping technique. These low emission levels continue to trend down as technology develops, new ships enter service, and LNG-powered alternatives are used.
Capable of large, bulky and heavy freight
The capacity of shipping firms to carry big, heavy, or bulky cargo—is a significant benefit of sea freight shipping. Large cars, machinery, supplies for building, and other items are examples of such cargo. Huge cargo, which is sometimes too heavy or enormous for air transport or perhaps even over-the-road transportation, is rarely an issue aboard many commercial boats.
Low Cost of Maintenance
The maintenance cost for sea transport is much cheaper than rail and air transportation. This also serves as one of the main factors contributing to the cheap cost of marine freight.
Miscellaneous Advantages
Sea freight shipping offers many more options for customers who want to move their products globally. Using this transport, you can choose your delivery date to plan. You can also pick the type of insurance coverage you want. There are also many more international carriers available.
The Bottom Line
Are you looking out for ways to save money on transporting the goods? If yes, then you should consider sea freight shipping. Sea freight shipping has become very common nowadays, thanks to its numerous benefits. Not only does it offer affordable rates, but it also provides time flexibility, safe shipment and secure returns. In addition, you don’t have to worry much about the cargo being damaged or stolen since it is under international regulations. All these benefits make ocean freight shipping highly effective.