Cargo transportation by sea accounts for more than 30% of all cargo transportation in Europe. In the UK, the figures are even higher: the sea cargo is the best option to reach the continent, since it is an island country. So, what are the advantages of this method of cargo transportation?
Impressive loading capacity
Sea transport is an absolute leader in terms of loading capacity. One cargo ship may transport thousands of 20’ and 40’ containers. Their loading capacity is 22 tons and 27 tons, respectively. Total capacity of a vessel can reach 500,000 tons.
Transportation of various goods
The model range of cargo vessels is very wide, so you can find the best solution for each cargo. For example, tankers are designed to transport bulk cargo (including oil). Refrigerated vessels are for transportation of goods under a certain temperature (they mostly deliver vegetables, fruits and seafood). And timber ships are designed to transport timber.
Cargo transportation by sea is popular in groupage delivery, i.e. cargoes that are made up of small batches of goods from different consignors. For example, businessmen often receive shipments from China this way.
Wide geography
Sea vessels easily travel thousands of kilometres between continents. Moreover, it is almost the only way to deliver cargo, for example, to the islands. And cargo transportation by sea is more economical than air transport.
Hundreds of ports operate throughout the UK. The largest of them are Felixstowe, Hull, Tilbury, Southampton, and others. Every day ships leave these ports and hold a course for France, Lithuania, Estonia, Germany, the Scandinavian countries, the USA, etc.
Reliability of transportation
Cargo on ships is transported in sealed metal containers with thick walls. Thus, external influence on the contents – both the influence of sea salt, wind and precipitation, and the illegal entry of third parties, is excluded.
Inside the container, the goods are placed in accordance with special rules. For example, minimal space is left between the walls of the container and the cargo, which eliminates damage during ship rolling. Cargo is secured using anchor ropes, chains, shields, stop bars.
Transport and logistics companies that transport goods maintain compulsory goods insurance, so in case of force majeure, the customer will receive insurance indemnity.
In addition, cargo transportation by sea provides affordable tariffs. However, some features should also be considered: for example, the weather significantly affects the movement of ships – leaving the port in a fog or storm is dangerous.