Is Maritime Transportation Losing Out Its Competitive Advantage over Other Modes of Transportation Like Air and Road Transportation?

Abstract

A sophisticated and widespread transportation mode is absolutely essential for the

efficient mobility of passengers and goods. This report first investigates the various

economical, cost and environmental factors specific to maritime transportation. This

investigation includes a comparative analysis between maritime, land and air transport.

Lastly, the growing demand in marine transportation and the multitude reasons that make

shipping one of the most globalized industries in terms of freight transportation is

examined. After careful weighing of all the diverse factors, one can conclude that

maritime transportation still retains its competitive edge over other modes of transport.

Table of contents

Abstract 2

Table of contents 3

Introduction 4

Marine Economics 4

Cost of Marine Transportation 5

Environmental Factor 7

Growing Demand of Marine Transportation 7

Conclusion 9

References 10

Introduction

The story of the shipping industry since the first steamships were built more than century

ago has been one of ingenuity, professionalism and fabulous profits. Maritime transport

References: Kenneth D.Boyer, 1997, Principles of Transportation Martin Stopford, 1997, Maritime Economics Michaellowa, Karsten Axel Krause, 2000, International maritime transport and climate policy, Hamburg, Germany DC Velocity Staff, 2007, a sea change for air freight, http://www.dcvelocity.com, 08/08/2008 Kasaba K Abdul Basti, 2008, Dubai sea transport, http://www.business24-7.ae, 08/08/2008