All You Need to Know About International Sea Freight

Logistics means the transportation of goods or raw materials from one point to another. In the logistics sector, it is important to ensure fast and high-quality transportation of goods. In this direction, transportation is the main component of logistics. International sea freight is the most preferred transportation method, especially when it comes to long distances.

The history of sea freight dates back to ancient times, and it is the most preferred transportation method because it is reliable and fast. With today's modern technologies, it has become much easier and more practical. In addition, sea freight is an important and frequently preferred type of transportation because the transport is carried out on an international scale. International sea freight is generally preferred more frequently by countries with a coastline. 

What Is International Sea Freight?

International sea freight is a method of transporting goods from one country to another by sea or ocean. With this method of transport, huge quantities of goods are packed in containers and then transported abroad using sea routes. It is one of the most common means of transportation used by importers and exporters worldwide.

International sea freight ensures the safe transportation of large volumes of goods, heavy loads, and dangerous goods overseas. This mode of transport is versatile, functional, and cost-effective.

About 80 percent of international trade is carried out by sea transport. This rate is especially higher in developing countries. With these features and advantages, international sea freight is an integral part of the global economy and international trade.

International Maritime and Transport Law

An important part of international trade is carried out by sea transportation. For this reason, there are international maritime transport laws accepted by the members of the United Nations. These laws aim at international maritime transport to make maritime transport more convenient and accurate. 

International Transport Law determines transportation rules from one country to another country. Also, the law focuses on maritime and supply chain safety, pollution from ships, and the protection of oceans and resources.

Shipping is an international industry. It works effectively if the standards and regulations of this industry are accepted internationally. The International Maritime Organization, established under the umbrella of the United Nations, works for this purpose. 

International sea freight is the most efficient and cost-effective method. It provides a reliable, cost-effective means of transporting goods globally, facilitating trade, and helping to create prosperity among nations and peoples. The International Maritime Organization is the regulator of safe and efficient shipping.

What are the Types of Sea Freight?

There are different types of sea freight according to the type o product to be transported, the distance from the target location, or the technologies used. Let's get to know deeper the types of international maritime transport.

Tramp Shipping

Tramp shipping is an optional mode of transport where ships do not operate on a designated line but leave ports when they are full. It is generally preferred for the transportation of raw materials such as iron, crude oil, wood, and coal, which easily fill the ship. 

Tramp shipping is not made according to any schedule regarding service schedule and freight rates. Freight demands are completely market-oriented. Where the demand is high, then transportation takes place.

Linear Transportation

Unlike tramp shipping, linear transport is the type of transport used to provide a regular and controlled service. Ships follow predetermined and fixed routes. Accordingly, a clear program is followed between predetermined ports. In addition, transport is carried out regardless of whether the ships are full or not. Container shipments and ro-ro traffic are part of this type of linear transportation.

Categories of International Sea Freight

International maritime transport is examined in five different categories according to the types of ships used and the types of load carried.

Container Ships

Container ships stand out as one of the most frequently used types within the scope of international sea freight. It provides high volumes of products to be shipped over long distances quickly and cost-effectively.

Ro-Ro Ships

Ro-Ro transportation means the transportation of wheeled vehicles. The land vehicles that need to be shipped long distances are transported by sea by Ro-Ro ships. While Ro-Ro ships save time for companies in the bulk transportation of land vehicles, they are also economically advantageous.

Tanker Transportation

Tanker transportation is generally preferred to transport dangerous goods such as oil and petroleum by-products, gas, chemicals, and other liquid products. There are two main types of tankers used in maritime transport. Oil tankers carrying liquefied petroleum gas are called LPG, and oil tankers carrying liquefied natural gas are called LNG.

Combined Transportation

Combined transportation supplies freight transport in which the various strengths of different means of transport such as rail, ship, and truck are combined. 

Bulk Transportation

Bulk transport generally preferred cargoes such as ore, grain, coal, salt, sugar, and cement are transported. For these materials, intermediate doors must be used during loading and unloading. Thanks to these intermediate doors, loading and unloading costs are minimized.

The Advantages of International Sea Freight

International sea freight, which is the oldest known transportation method, has many advantages. Firstly, international maritime transport ensures that the products arrive at the designated port accompanied by safe routes. Secondly, it enables easy transportation of large volumes and heavy tonnage goods. Thirdly, international maritime transport is environmentally friendly against environmental pollution, which is one of the most fundamental problems of today and the future. Finally, sea freight is a more cost-effective and faster mode of transport due to the absence of border crossings and road maintenance, which slows down shipping transportation. 

The importance of international sea freight is expected to increase further in the coming years. For this reason, being able to provide value-added services in sea freight will be an important competitive advantage for companies. 

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