What is Sea Cargo?

• Sea cargo, also known as ocean freight, involves the transportation of goods via ships across international waters.
• It is the most common method of shipping large quantities of goods over long distances.
• Goods are packed into containers and transported on cargo ships, making sea freight a reliable option for businesses looking to trade internationally.

History of Sea Transport

• The use of sea transport dates back thousands of years to ancient civilizations like the Phoenicians, Egyptians, and Greeks, who used ships to transport goods and resources across the Mediterranean.
• With the advent of larger and more sophisticated vessels in the Middle Ages, sea transport expanded significantly, facilitating global trade between Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
• The Industrial Revolution further accelerated the growth of sea transport, introducing steam-powered ships and, later, modern container ships, which revolutionized global shipping logistics.
• Today, sea transport remains a vital link in the global supply chain, connecting markets and economies worldwide.

Top Benefits of Ocean Freight Shipping

Since the development of established shipping routes and reliable maritime channels, ocean freight has become the preferred choice for cargo transportation. Here are some key benefits of choosing ocean freight for shipping goods internationally.

Ocean freight shipping is an essential mode of transport in global trade, offering several technical advantages that make it highly preferred for large-scale shipping. Below are the top benefits:

Cost-Effectiveness

Ocean freight is one of the most economical options for transporting goods over long distances, especially for bulk cargo. It’s significantly cheaper than air freight, with shipping costs typically 4–6 times lower. This cost advantage is ideal for businesses looking to move large quantities while optimizing their supply chain.

High Cargo Capacity

Ships offer unparalleled capacity, making them suitable for transporting large, bulky, or heavy cargo. With options like 20-foot and 40-foot containers, ocean freight can handle both Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL), giving flexibility to businesses depending on shipment volume.

Global Reach and Accessibility

With over 90% of international trade conducted via sea, ocean freight provides extensive global coverage. This vast network ensures goods can be shipped to almost any destination with multiple transit points for greater flexibility.

Safety and Security

Modern cargo ships are designed to safely transport hazardous materials and fragile goods. Containers are sealed and locked, minimizing the risk of damage or theft. Additionally, safety standards in maritime shipping have improved significantly, reducing cargo loss during transit.

Environmental Benefits

Ocean freight has the lowest carbon emissions per ton-mile compared to other modes of transport. As more ships adopt greener technologies, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion, the environmental impact continues to decrease, making sea freight an eco-friendly option.

Handling Oversized Cargo

Ocean freight is ideal for shipping oversized or non-standard cargo that cannot be accommodated by air or road transport. This includes heavy machinery, large vehicles, and construction materials, making it the go-to option for industrial shipments.

Flexibility in Shipment Size

Whether you’re shipping a small volume or a full container, ocean freight offers flexibility. Smaller shipments can be consolidated with other goods, reducing costs through shared container space, while larger shipments benefit from the ability to fill multiple containers.

Lower Documentation Requirements

Compared to air freight, ocean freight involves simpler documentation and fewer regulatory hurdles, allowing for smoother customs clearance and faster processing times at ports.