After the expansion of the company last year, the volumes of maritime trade should increase by only 0.5% in 2025, the slowest rate in years, according to the agency Maritime transport review 2025Launched in Geneva.
The slowdown comes while geopolitical tensions, new commercial barriers and climatic pressures reshape the shipping routes, increase costs and expose vulnerabilities in the global economy.
“” Upcoming transitions – zero carbon, to digital systems, to new commercial roads – must be transitions”Said Trecta Secretary General Rebeca Grynspan. “” They must empower, not exclude. They must build resiliencenot deepen vulnerability. »»
Flow routes, costs increase
Shipping has more than 80% of world goods for export and import, making it a critical barometer of world trade.
Uncantad pointed out that the reaches caused by crises in the Red Sea in 2024 and continuous tensions Near the Hormuz Strait, ships forced ships to longer trips, adding delays and costs.
During the launch of Geneva, Regina Asiotis, chief executive officer of CNUCTAD’s commercial logistics, warned that vulnerable savings pay the heaviest price:
“The global environment has become more complex. Geopolitical tensions oblige costly redefit, prices disrupt trade flows and freight rates are high and volatile.
The developing states of small islands, the least developed countries and net countries of importation of net foods are the most vulnerable, because higher freight costs rapidly result in more expensive imports and food insecurity. »»
Ports under pressure
Global ports are struggling with congestion, longer waiting times and pressure to modernize. UNCTAD has highlighted the urgent need to invest in digital systems such as platforms of unique maritime windows and the port community to reduce costs and delays.
But many developing countries continue to take time late in digitization. Cyber-menues increasing, the report warns that cybersecurity has become a critical priority for maritime logistics.
Climate challenge
The greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime industry increased by 5% in 2024, according to the report. However, only eight percent of the tonnage of the world fleet is currently equipped to use alternative fuels.
THE International Maritime Organization Will take a net-zero framework in October, including a global mechanism for fuel and carbon pricing. UNCTAD claims that clear regulatory signals, fleet renewal and new fuel infrastructure is essential to reduce emissions.
Human cost at sea
Beyond trade flows and emissions, the report highlighted the human balance sheet. Marine The cases of abandonment reached a record in 2024Leave the crews blocked without salary or support.
Changes to the Maritime Labor Convention in force in 2027 will strengthen repatriation and coast leave rights, but UNCTAD stressed that an effective application is essential.
Political priorities
The examination calls for governments and the industry to work together on:
- Stable trade policies to reduce uncertainty and restore confidence in supply chains;
- Investment in sustainable, green and resilient port and shipping infrastructures;
- Faster digitization and stronger cybersecurity;
- Renewal of the cleat and cleaner combustibles; And
- Support for vulnerable savings to alleviate higher costs.
“Persistent costs of high transport are likely to hit the harder developing countries,” said Ms. Gryspan. “Maritime transport must be resilient, inclusive and durable if we want to withstand the upcoming turbulent waters.”
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
