Marine Transport

The shipping has become the backbone of the world trade and globalization . Twenty-four hours a day and throughout the year, ships carry loads to all corners of the world. World trade and maritime transport are, therefore, essential to maintain the economic growth of countries and to extend world prosperity , thus fulfilling a very important social and economic function for human life. It is one of the best means of communication that has the ability to move people and objects through the sea, usually on board a ship.or ship .

Characteristics of maritime transport

Among its main characteristics we can mention the following:

• Maritime transport, as its name indicates, is done by sea .
• It has a great capacity to transport large volumes and contents.
• It is the best means of transport to move very heavy loads from one place to another, when they have a great geographical difference .
• Associated with short sea ​​shipping , it can be combined with other modes of transportation.
• It has great flexibility in terms of the size of the ships that carry the cargo.
• It has versatility .

History

The history of shipping dates back to 3,500 BC. For centuries, the transport of different types of merchandise has been carried out by means of the sea and has evolved day by day in accordance with commercial growth . One of the first boats that existed in the world were rafts and this type of boat was used mainly in Egypt , these rafts were created based on palm . Then, approximately 1,200 years ago, they began to build wooden boats , mainly cedar to give them greater strength and resistance. In the 19th century thesteam ships . The first that existed was called ” The Clermont ” and was built by the American Robert Fulton .

Evolution

In the last half of the 19th century, commerce underwent great changes and differences in the way in which goods were transported. Ships increased in power and capacity, and it was much better for companies to use it as a means of transportation. The maritime traffic internationally increased greatly has the different ships have specialized in over the years, innovating mechanisms, ports and media. Modern boats today have replaced many of their parts in order to improve transportation, for example, the diesel engine is no longer used , but steam engines are used., which are certainly cheaper.

Types of maritime transport

• Bulk ships:  they are mainly used to transport solid cargo such as grains or minerals . Its design favors loading and unloading by cranes.
• Container ships:  They are used to transport goods in containers. Most of the international transport of dry cargo is carried out by means of this type of ship.
• Oil ships or tankers:  They are specially designed to store fuel and oil , liquids and chemicals . Its design allows this type of cargo to be transported safely.
• Refrigerated ships:  They have the necessary refrigeration equipment to be able to transport goods such as food and perishable goods .
• Rolling cargo boats:  They have a series of ramps and platforms which have the capacity to carry, fix and immobilize all types of vehicles .
• Coastal vessels or coastal vessels:  These vessels are used to navigate in shallow waters, but they are capable of skirting the coasts . They can carry small loads and are used to safeguard the seas of different countries.
• Ferries:  are a type of boat intended to transport passengers on small crossings and coastal cities.
• Cruises:  They are large vessels that are dedicated solely to tourist pleasure trips and can accommodate a large number of people between passengers and crew.

Advantage

• The storage capacity is much greater in ships than in common means of transport.
• Sea freight with very competitive and economical .
• They are very safe and stable .
• The weather rarely interfere with your itinerary.
• They can move as much product.

Disadvantages

• The procedures for shipping products by ship are long and complicated .
• The customs sometimes have a lot of requirements and obstacles.
• The delivery time of the products is longer than in other means of transport.
• It needs customs to be able to work.

Importance of maritime transport

Its influence on the economic sector of the modern world is of the utmost importance. It collaborates in social and economic development , being a source of jobs and economic income . It is relatively cheaper than other means of transport which makes it a fundamental aspect for the economy of modern societies , especially in the transport, import and export of food and manufactured goods.

Current usage

Currently, maritime transport is responsible for shipping and transporting large – scale merchandise over long distances. It is one of the means most used by large companies that need to move their assets from one place to another. The ports and customs posts have come to provide jobs for many people living around. From crude oil to automobiles, it is definitely the best medium in the world.

Maritime transport in Mexico

Mexico has a large number of important ports, which serve vessels, people and goods in navigation between national and international ports. They are located in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans . Large and heavy ships can load in any of its ports, including large fuel and oil carriers.

Maritime transport in Spain

The main Spanish ports count their geographical location as an advantage since it gives free access to the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean . In this way, a correct and secure connection between some of the most important international maritime networks is guaranteed .  In addition, due to its physical union with France , maritime transport can be combined with land transport .

Maritime transport in Argentina

Argentina has around 70 river and sea ports dedicated to commercial activity . Most of them are for private use and owned by companies dedicated to exports linked to different sectors of the economy . Argentina has a great maritime coastline and a waterway of relevant importance in which we can find an important set of port facilities, for public and private use.