Maritime transit transport is one of the most important methods of international trade, accounting for more than 80% of global trade. This method plays a key role in connecting global markets due to its ability to move large volumes of goods at relatively low cost. The following are various aspects of this transport system:
1. Types of ships used in maritime transit
Container Ships:
Equipped with standard loading systems (such as TEU and FEU) to carry 20- to 40-foot containers.
Suitable for general goods such as electronics, clothing, and consumer goods.
Tankers:
Carry crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG/LPG), and chemicals.
Due to the hazardous nature of the cargo, they operate under strict safety regulations (such as MARPOL).
Bulk Carriers:
Carry bulk materials such as coal, grain, iron ore, and cement.
Ro-Ro Ships:
Designed to carry vehicles, machinery, and wheeled goods.
2. Strategic Sea Routes
Suez Canal (Egypt):
Connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, the shortest route from Asia to Europe.
About 12% of world trade passes through this route.
Panama Canal (Panama):
Connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, key for trade between North and South America and Asia.
Strait of Malacca (Malaysia/Indonesia):
Main highway for transporting crude oil from the Persian Gulf to East Asia (China, Japan, South Korea).
Northern Route (Russia):
Crosses the Arctic Ocean due to melting ice, shortening the route from Europe to Asia.
3. Key Global Ports
Shanghai (China): The world’s busiest port in terms of cargo volume.
Singapore (Singapore): The transshipment hub between Asia and Europe.
Rotterdam (Netherlands): The largest European port and the gateway for goods to the Green Continent.
Jebel Ali (UAE): The commercial center of the Persian Gulf and the main base for shipping lines such as Musk.
4. Advantages of Sea Freight
Low cost: Suitable for bulky and non-urgent cargo.
High capacity: Ability to carry millions of tons of goods in one trip.
Reduced carbon footprint: Less polluting than air freight.
Relative security: Less risk of theft or physical damage than road or air.
5. Challenges of Sea Freight
Long time: It takes about 30-40 days to move goods from Asia to Europe.
Dependence on weather conditions: Storms or ice can block routes (such as the northern route of Russia).
Customs problems: Complex procedures in ports of some countries.
Environmental risks: Oil spills or water pollution due to maritime accidents.
6. Necessary documents and laws
Bill of Lading: Document of ownership of goods and contract of carriage.
Certificate of Origin: Determines the country of manufacture of the goods.
International regulations:
SOLAS Convention: Safety of life at sea.
MARPOL Convention: Prevention of marine pollution.
Incoterms 2020 rules: Determining the responsibilities of the seller and buyer.
7. Maritime transit in Iran
Key ports:
Imam Khomeini Port (Khuzestan): The main export terminal for oil and non-oil goods.
Shahid Rajaee Port (Hormozgan): Iran’s largest container port in the Persian Gulf.
Chabahar Port (Sistan and Baluchestan): Iran’s gateway to open waters and the North-South Corridor.
Important routes:
Connection to ports in India, China, and Russia via the Persian Gulf and the Caspian Sea.
The role of the INSTC International Corridor (connecting India to Europe via Iran).
8. The Future of Maritime Transport
Autonomous ships: Using artificial intelligence to reduce human error.
Clean fuels: Transition to LNG, hydrogen, or wind energy to reduce emissions.
Blockchain in logistics: Transparency and speed in tracking goods.
Conclusion
Despite challenges such as long lead times and environmental risks, maritime transit transport is recognized as the backbone of global trade. Port development, the use of new technologies, and international cooperation can increase the efficiency of this system. For Iran, strengthening southern ports and cooperating in international corridors such as INSTC is a strategic opportunity to become a regional transit hub.
