In 1950 only 500 million tons of goods were transported by sea, currently shipping handles 9.8 billion tons of goods.

 

 

 

Maritime transport remains the most important means of transport in world trade. By significantly reducing loading and unloading times, the container revolutionized the industry. The number of containers traveling the seas is estimated at about 13 million.

 

 

 

The 89,464 vessels forming the world fleet transported around 9.8 billion tonnes of goods (2014 figures), accounting for 80% of world trade by volume.

 

 

 

In 2012, maritime transport represented a market of 1.5 trillion euros worldwide and continuing to grow, it should reach 2 trillion euros in 2020.