| Share of global trade by volume transported by sea | More than 80% | Current UNCTAD reference | Ocean transport is the primary mode for moving bulk commodities, manufactured goods, energy products, agricultural products, and containerized cargo across international markets. | UNCTAD |
| Share of global trade by value transported by sea | Approximately 70% | Current UNCTAD reference | The maritime sector remains essential not only for high-volume commodities but also for international supply chains involving manufactured and intermediate goods. | UNCTAD |
| Global seaborne trade volume | About 12.3 billion tonnes | 2023 | This scale demonstrates the capacity of ocean shipping to handle large, continuous flows of cargo at global distances. | UNCTAD, Review of Maritime Transport 2024 |
| Annual growth in seaborne trade | Approximately 2.4% | 2023 | Growth in seaborne trade reflects continuing demand for international sourcing, export manufacturing, energy transport, and cross-border distribution. | UNCTAD, Review of Maritime Transport 2024 |
| Global container port throughput | Approximately 858 million TEU | 2023 | Containerized shipping provides standardized handling for consumer goods, industrial components, machinery, electronics, and other general cargo. | UNCTAD, Review of Maritime Transport 2024 |
| Worldwide commercial fleet capacity | More than 2.4 billion deadweight tonnes | Beginning of 2024 | Large global fleet capacity supports the movement of heavy and oversized cargo that would be impractical or substantially more expensive to transport by air. | UNCTAD, Review of Maritime Transport 2024 |
| International trade supported by maritime transport | More than four-fifths of world trade by volume | UNCTAD industry overview | Businesses using ocean freight can connect with established port, customs, inland transportation, and distribution networks in multiple regions. | UNCTAD |
| Maritime transport contribution to global anthropogenic GHG emissions | Approximately 2.89% | 2018 | The figure highlights the importance of fuel efficiency, vessel efficiency, route planning, and lower-carbon fuels as ocean shipping continues to support global commerce. | International Maritime Organization, Fourth IMO GHG Study |
| Typical cargo suitability | Bulk, breakbulk, roll-on/roll-off, and containerized cargo | Global maritime transport structure | Ocean freight accommodates diverse cargo types, including raw materials, vehicles, project cargo, agricultural goods, and finished products. | UNCTAD |