An Educational Article.
ExWay (reviewed here) just published a very interesting “news” article about ocean transport. It isn’t really news, but rather is an interesting overview of changes that have occurred over the years in a huge industry. I think that you will enjoy reading this informative article and have reprinted it here…
SEA CONTAINER TRANSPORTATION – THE ENGINE OF WORLD TRADE
Tankers, bulk carriers and container ships are the most important means of transportation of our time. Each year they carry billions of tonnes of goods along a few principal trade routes. Containerization has revolutionized global cargo shipping, bringing vast improvements in efficiency.
Throughout history the oceans have been important to people around the world as a means of transportation. Unlike a few decades ago, however, ships are now carrying goods rather than people. Since the rise of intercontinental air travel, sea travel has become limited to shorter trips and recreational cruises.
The main reason behind the massive increase in shipping was the growth in world trade. Since the 1950s, the growth rate of international trade was almost consistently twice that of economic activity as a whole. But institutional and technological factors also had a role to play. In the past, the liberalization achievements of GATT and its successor the WTO provided a new momentum to world trade. China’s economic opening to the outside world, which led to their admission to the WTO in 2001, was also very significant – its exports quadrupled within 5 years.
The appetites of the industrial nations and newly-industrializing emerging economies, particularly China and India, for energy and mineral resources led to increasing quantities of goods being transported from far-distant countries.
The information and communications technology revolution dramatically reduced the costs of mobility and accessibility. It allowed new network connections and production processes such as just-in-time production, outsourcing and offshoring, and provided a tremendous stimulus to logistics.
As a result of rising demand, transportation costs fell. Ships increased in size. Economies of scale were exploited. Furthermore, there were technological advances and organizational improvements in port management – of general cargo traffic, for instance. Of overriding importance was containerization, the greatest transportation revolution of the 20th century.
Marine innovations have helped to fuel the growth of maritime freight traffic. The following are significant:
SIZE: The average size of ships has increased substantially. Larger vessels reduce the shipping costs per load unit for crew, fuel, demurrage, insurance, servicing and ship maintenance.
SPEED: The average speed of a merchant ship is about 15 knots, or 28 kilometres per hour, the equivalent of about 670 kilometres a day. Newer ships are capable of 25 to 30 knots. Marine propulsion has improved considerably since the invention of the screw propeller, particularly the double propeller.
DESIGN: Ship design has changed radically – from timber to steel to vessels built mainly of aluminium and composite materials. Design innovations were aimed at dramatically reducing fuel consumption and construction costs while increasing safety at the same time.
SPECIALIZATION: Specialization in the shipbuilding industry has brought massive changes to ocean shipping. Special ships have increasingly been constructed for different types of freight. By speeding up cargo handling, specialization has been responsible for reducing the costs per transported unit. Where special ships can be utilized to capacity, therefore, economies of scale have been achieved.
AUTOMATION: Various automation technologies have been introduced to shipbuilding and ship operations, including self-loading/unloading systems, computerized navigation, and the global positioning system. Automation has markedly reduced the number of crew needed and at the same time substantially improved safety standards.
Export Way Limited continues to provide the highest level of transport services on a daily basis and ultimately profit from this booming industry. Anyone can join us and start earning a high daily income. We strive for long and mutually beneficial cooperation with our customers. We believe that through our high level of technical safety and experienced risk management, we can make every investor profit. Highest quality service and constant innovation will bring power to our community!
*********************************
If one of the paying programs on our Monitor appeals to you, please support EmilyNews by registering for it on our website. Thanks very very much!
Telegram Chat for your Crypto and Hyip reports: @HyipChatEN
*********************************
Be the first to get most important HYIP news everyday!
Simply Follow EN Facebook, EN Telegram, EN Twitter
or Subscribe to EN Feedburner and submit your email address!
If you like this article and want to support EN – please share it by using at least few of social media buttons below. Thanks and See you tomorrow!
