Container transport is an efficient, flexible, and safe method for transporting goods over long distances. It is based on the use of standardized containers that can be loaded, transported, and unloaded without having to directly handle their contents. In this article, we will explore the advantages of container transport and their contributions to the efficiency, flexibility, and safety of sea transport.
Key Ports
The ports we work with the most are Hamburg, Rotterdam, Bremerhaven, and Antwerp. Hamburg is the largest port in Germany and the third largest in Europe, with an annual freight turnover of over 135 million tons. Rotterdam, the largest port in Europe and the third largest in the world, moves about 500 million tons of freight annually. Bremerhaven, an important port in northern Germany, has an annual freight turnover of about 50 million tons. Finally, Antwerp, the second largest European port after Rotterdam, moves about 220 million tons of freight annually.
Advantages of Sea Transport
Sea transport of containers offers numerous advantages. It can transport multiple containers on a single trip, reducing the number of trips needed to deliver a certain amount of freight. Compared to road transport, sea transport can establish direct connections between ports without having to drive through multiple cities or countries. Moreover, the speed of ship traffic can be higher than the average speed of trucks.
Sea transport is less dependent on weather than road transport. The loading and unloading times of containers in ports are faster than for trucks, and the transport costs by ship can be cheaper for certain routes than by truck. In some cases, duties or other taxes for sea transport may be lower than for road transport.
Containers can be loaded onto various modes of transport (such as trains or ships) to meet transport needs. They can be stored more easily in ports, while trucks may need additional parking space. Also, refrigerated containers provide better temperature control during transport, which is essential for perishable goods.
Use of Container Transport in Europe
Container transport is widely used in Europe and is one of the main methods of transport for goods that need to be transported over long distances. According to Eurostat, Europe’s share of the global container transport volume in 2020 was about 18%, with a turnover of about 200 billion euros. In the same year, Europe had the world’s largest container transport fleet with about 2,400 container ships.
Dealing with Restrictions
Container transport is subject to several regulations and restrictions. These can vary depending on the port and country, but some of the most common regulations and restrictions include restrictions on container size, type of cargo, loading and unloading procedures, port fees, and safety rules. Knowledge of these restrictions is crucial to ensure that container transport is carried out efficiently, safely, and in compliance with the law.
Conclusion
In summary, container transport offers numerous significant advantages, including efficiency, flexibility, and safety. By utilizing major transport hubs and adapting to specific restrictions, this type of transport remains a preferred method for transporting goods over long distances.
