Container Ships: The Backbone of Global Trade

The Evolution of Containerization

The concept of containerization revolutionized the maritime industry. Container ships, also known as boxships or containerships, were developed to transport large quantities of goods in standardized intermodal containers. This technique revolutionized cargo handling, making it faster, more efficient, and less labor-intensive.

The Importance of Container Ships

Today, container vessels dominate the seagoing non-bulk cargo transport market, accounting for approximately 90% of all goods shipped globally. They play a pivotal role in the smooth flow of commodities, enabling the efficient movement of goods between ports and continents. The size of container ships has steadily increased over the years, with some vessels now capable of carrying over 20,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). This capacity has allowed for economies of scale, reducing shipping costs and making global trade more accessible.