Maritime transportation boasts the following characteristics when compared to other modes of transport:
(1) Vast shipping volumes: The largest passenger ships have exceeded 80,000 tons, super tankers surpass 500,000 tons, and general cargo ships range from 50,000 to 60,000 tons, making sea transportation highly capacity.
(2) Enhanced transit capacity: Marine transportation leverages extensive natural waterways, unlike cars and trains which are restricted by roads or tracks, thus offering greater transit capacity.
(3) Cost-Effective Shipping: The natural formation of sea routes, combined with port facilities capable of handling large merchant ships, which have been in use for a long time and cover long distances, contribute to lower unit transportation costs when compared to other modes of transport. Due to these factors, sea transportation offers affordable shipping rates.
(4) Slower speed; commercial vessels are large in size and have high water resistance. To increase speed, fuel consumption would significantly rise, making it highly uneconomical.
(5) Higher Risk: Merchant ships navigating the seas are greatly affected by weather and natural conditions, making it difficult to accurately predict sailing schedules. The likelihood of encountering dangers is also high. On average, around 300 ships worldwide sink due to accidents each year.
