Shipping basics

Maritime transport is an essential link in the global logistics chain. Almost three-quarters of the goods produced and consumed worldwide are shipped by sea. It is therefore the leading mode of transport, in terms of the volume of goods carried, and is especially suited to long-distance links. In the first section of this chapter, we present a general overview of maritime transport. In the second section, we'll outline the factors that need to be taken into account when making an optimum choice of logistics services, and define cooperation agreements between shipping lines.