Merchant ships come in two varieties, charter or tramp vessels that transport cargo based on demand and linear vessels that have fixed schedules and operate on fixed routes. Trampers include bulk carriers and tankers operating in charter markets and shipping cargo from any port to any port. Linear vessels such as RoRo and container ships, […]

Tankships, also known as tankers, carry a wide selection of gases and liquids as well as cargo such as wine, molasses, and vegetable oils. They are built to ship commodities in a way that minimizes risks, including fungal and bacterial growth, spoilage of foods, and volatile behavior. Other ships are used to transport livestock, including […]

According to data by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the number of ships calling at ports to load and unload cargo has increased in Q3 2020. This hints to improved business activity and economic recovery from the global pandemic that struck in the beginning of 2020. Impact of Covid-19 on Maritime Trade […]

It is important that freight forwarders get familiar with fire hazards and safety measures onboard cargo ships so that they are aware of the risks, types of fire, and extinguishing methods that shipping companies use. Classifying Fire Based on fuel  or material type, fire falls in 4 categories – class A, B, C, and D. […]

Distribution centers and rail and port terminals are used for storage, loading and unloading, and transloading activities. There are different types of terminals based on infrastructure, interface, equipment and vehicles used, location, and land access. Rail Terminals There are five types of facilities – satellite and transmodal terminals, load centres, and near-dock and on-dock. They […]

The global supply chain now faces another challenge as many countries begin to restart their economies in the midst of the coronavirus crisis. Some 200,000 ship crews are stranded because of flight reduction and suspension and closure of ports around the world. Crew Changes Before the coronavirus pandemic, about 100,000 crew swaps took place on […]

The EU shipping industry has been hardly hit, and maritime shippers are not an exception. At the same time, measures and policies to mitigate the impact of the pandemic have not been implemented in all Member States. This is a critical moment for forwarders throughout Europe, including ship owners, operators, charterers, and shipping companies, all […]

The maritime shipping industry has been a major polluter for decades and now faces new regulations that will soon come into effect. Maritime Transport and Environmental Pollution Reports by the UN International Maritime Organization show that over 90 percent of cargo is transported by sea. The main reason is that this is the most cost-effective […]

Autonomous technologies are increasingly used in the maritime shipping industry, and advanced systems are currently under development. Manufacturers are in the process of developing super yachts, battery-powered ships, situation awareness systems, drone-assisted systems, and unmanned ships to name a few. Autonomous and Semi-Autonomous Ships Shipbuilding companies are in the process of developing fully autonomous ships […]

Food manufacturers face multiple risks acossiated with transportation and delivery of ingredients and shipping of final products to chain stores and retailers. Major risks for manufacturers include deterioration due to shipping delays, contamination with fungi and bacteria, damages, spills, and breakages, and sub-optimum conditions during shipping. Deterioration Due to Delays Many raw ingredients have a […]

Sea transport was the main vehicle of international commerce for centuries and is still a popular mode of transportation due to factors such as high load capacity, low cost, and reliability in bad weather. Sea freight transport is also a preferred solution for shipments across long distances. Types of Goods Transported by Sea The main […]

Sea transport allows for cheap freight forwarding of cargo to and from a large number of European countries.  It is the preferred form of transport for big volumes of goods as well as for smaller ones in containers when the delivery terms are not urgent.  The customers of freight forwarders Europe have a choice between […]

Water transport has long since established itself as a cheap option for transportation over various distances. It is widely used by the International Forwarding Association to provide shippers of goods with a cheaper option for transportation. Water transport is being promoted within the European Union due to its undoubted advantages: Increased efficiency due to the […]