Maritime Transportation. Types and characteristics

Shipping has always been a key player in global logistics. In recent years there has been an increase in demand for the use of maritime transport, probably due to the advent of new technologies and e-commerce. Shipping has become an ideal choice to meet these new needs.

According to recent data, it has been estimated that maritime transport accounts for 80% to 90% of international international logistics. These are very relevant numbers to get an idea of the importance of this type of transportation.

But why is maritime transport becoming more and more important? Let’s take a closer look at what maritime transport is and all the advantages it brings. Let’s go there!

 

What is maritime transport

The concept is not very complex; maritime transport is a term that designates large cargoes transported by cargo ships.

Starting in the 1960s, shipping began to use containers, facilitating the transport of large cargoes, reducing the cost of storage and product monitoring.

With all this, maritime logistics has become one of the main options for the transport of goods.

Let’s delve a little deeper into the special characteristics of maritime transport that make it so relevant in today’s international logistics.

 

 

Characteristics of maritime transport

As we have already mentioned, maritime transport is a very important part of international logistics. This is not a random fact; it is due, above all, to the attractive characteristics that define it.

Let’s take a look at the main characteristics of maritime transport:

Large capacity. The vessels stand out for their high tonnage capacity, which is very difficult to match for other types of transport. This high capacity is one of the great assets of maritime logistics.

International transportation. Ocean freight is capable of transporting large quantities internationally at a lower cost.

Versatile transport. Maritime logistics enjoys great versatility; there are vessels of many different types, capable of adapting to any type of cargo.

Competition. Despite some cases, maritime transport is governed by the principle of free competition, so there is a wide range of supply.

These characteristics mark the attractiveness of this type of logistics capable of adapting to any business and needs.

 

Types of maritime transportation

Thanks to the great versatility of maritime logistics, it is possible to identify different types of maritime transport. It is the cargo and its volume that usually define the types of maritime transport that we can find.

In the following, we will list some of the most common types of maritime transports within this logistics:

 

Container ships

They are the mainstay of global trade and the most widely used type of vessel for the transport of goods. They operate with standardized units (20 and 40-foot containers) that facilitate the handling, control and transfer of large volumes of cargo.

Modern container ships incorporate systems to reduce their carbon footprint and even designs with near-zero emissions.

 

General cargo vessel

They mainly transport non-containerized dry cargo, such as machinery, wood or manufactured products. They have their own cranes for loading and unloading, which allows them to operate in ports with limited infrastructure.

 

Bulkcarrier

They are also called bulk carriers, as they are used for the maritime transport of bulk cargo (e.g. minerals, fertilizers, etc…).

They are a very versatile type of transport, adapting to different goods and being used for different types of purposes.

 

Reefer vessel

As its name suggests, it is a vessel with refrigeration capacity, making it ideal for the transport of perishable foodstuffs.

Because of the type of cargo they carry, the speed of this type of vessel is faster than that of other vessels. Another interesting fact about reefer vessels is that they are usually white, in order to reflect the sun’s rays as much as possible and avoid overheating.

 

Heavy lift cargo vessels

Specialized in the transport of heavy loads or exceptional dimensions, such as industrial components, offshore structures or heavy machinery. They have high capacity cranes and reinforced decks to support heavy loads.

 

Roll on – Roll off vessel

They are a type of vessel that transports wheeled cargo, usually machinery, cars, trucks, etc….

Vessels designed to secure and fix this type of goods, with professional immobilization elements.

 

There are many other types of vessels such as tankers, livestock… the great versatility of maritime transport facilitates different types of transport and the design of vessels for this purpose.

 

Key regulations and standards in 2025

International shipping is regulated by a set of rules and agreements aimed at ensuring the safety, efficiency and sustainability of operations.

Knowledge of these standards is essential to ensure that cargo meets all legal requirements along its journey.

 

International agreements

There are treaties that establish the legal basis for the transport of goods by sea:

Hague-Visby Rules: determine rights and responsibilities of shipping lines and shippers.

Hamburg Convention: regulates liability in case of loss of or damage to cargo.

Rotterdam Convention: incorporates provisions adapted to multimodal logistics and the digital era.

 

IMDG Code

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, as revised from time to time, sets out the criteria for the safe packaging, labeling and handling of dangerous goods during sea transport.The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, as revised from time to time, sets out the criteria for the packaging, labeling and safe handling of dangerous goods during transport by sea.

The 2025 edition includes improved classification and documentation requirements for certain chemicals and lithium batteries.

 

IMO environmental standards

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has strengthened its measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping. By 2025, these include:

🌊 Stricter sulfur limits in marine fuels.

⚡ Implementation of mandatory energy efficiency indices for new and in-service vessels.

🌱 Progress toward full decarbonization target by mid-century.

 

Most used Incoterms in maritime transport

In international operations, Incoterms define responsibilities in costs, risks and formalities. The most common in maritime transport are:

🚢 FOB (Free On Board): the seller assumes costs and risks until the cargo is on board.

📑 CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight): includes insurance and transportation to the port of destination.

📦 CFR (Cost and Freight): the seller covers transportation to destination, but not insurance.

 

Why choose shipping?

As mentioned above, almost 90% of the goods are transported by sea and this has its merit given the existence of other types of goods transportation.

Why do companies choose shipping? Let’s take a look at some of the reasons reasons why industries and businesses around the world choose ocean transportation:

💰 Economic factor. The data show that the cost of maritime transport is 4 to 6 times lower than, for example, air transport. Thus, maritime logistics is more economical than other alternatives.

📦 Increased load capacity. There is no doubt that maritime logistics has much more cargo capacity than other transportation options. This is one of the great qualities that give greater value to maritime transport.

🛡️ Security. Maritime logistics operates under strict security policies and protocols. Cargo losses due to incidents are decreasing every year, proving that this is a very safe service.

All these reasons, together with greater efficiency and respect for the environment, make maritime logistics one of the first options for the transport of goods.

If you need to import or export by sea, contact our transportation and logistics specialists to find the best solution for your needs.