What percent of international world trade is provided by sea? When was the first container ship built? How many hours is the longest sea route in the world? Here is our content with such interesting and entertaining information! “Interesting Maritime Facts” will interest you; let’s surprise you with the first fact!
Let’s start by addressing an issue that concerns us all. International World Trade. Now the borders of our world have disappeared, and we can buy products or services from places far away from our current location. An internet network and some money may be sufficient to purchase services, but we need logistical support to buy a physical product. At this point, “maritime logistics” takes the microphone because about 90% of world trade is provided by maritime logistics.
Well, when maritime logistics is so important, who do you think first thought of container transportation? Malcolm Purcell McLean is the “Father of the Containerization.” He is an entrepreneur and inventor of the intermodal shipping container. Thanks to him, freight transport costs have decreased. The protection of shipments has increased, and thefts have decreased.
In fact, can we call Malcolm Purcell McLean the person who accelerated globalization and paved the way for maritime transport? Well, let’s remember. The name of the first commercially used containership is Ideal X. It was made in 1956. This container ship completed its first route between Newark, New Jersey, Houston, and Texas. Thank you, Malcolm Purcell McLean!
Okay! Container ships were discovered, and world trade is provided via sea way, yes, but what sea route do these container ships use? Between which continents is the longest route? How many km/mile is this route? Here are all the answers. The longest shipping route is between Asia and eastern South America. This route is approximately 35,000 km. A container ship that starts moving on this route can reach its destination after 45 days. How about a little more geographical information? For example, the world’s largest port is Shanghai, and its surface area is 3,619.6 km². (If you wonder which shipping lines go to Shanghai, check here!) The United States of America has the largest number of seaports in the world, with 587 ports.
