UNCTAD Review of Maritime Transport 2025 Flagship Report: Key Indicators
The Review of Maritime Transport 2025 highlights a global shipping industry at a critical crossroads, navigating the dual pressures of geopolitical volatility and an accelerating green transition. While maritime trade volumes reached 12,720 million tons in 2024, the defining story of 2025 is the "distance penalty"—a record 5.9% surge in ton-miles driven by the massive rerouting of vessels around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid chokepoint disruptions. As the industry formalizes its 2050 Net-Zero framework and integrates AI-driven logistics, the report underscores an widening divide in connectivity and cost, where the most vulnerable economies face import logistics costs nearly double the global average.
UNCTAD Review of Maritime Transport 2025: Key Indicators
| # | Indicator Name | Leading Country / Entity | Score / Value |
| 1 | Liner Shipping Connectivity Index (Global) | China | 1,215.8 |
| 2 | Liner Shipping Connectivity Index (East Asia) | South Korea | 640.3 |
| 3 | Liner Shipping Connectivity Index (Southeast Asia) | Singapore | 591.3 |
| 4 | Liner Shipping Connectivity Index (North America) | United States | 493.8 |
| 5 | Liner Shipping Connectivity Index (Europe) | Spain | 403.5 |
| 6 | Liner Shipping Connectivity Index (South Asia) | India | 212.1 |
| 7 | Liner Shipping Connectivity Index (Africa) | Egypt | 185.2 |
| 8 | Liner Shipping Connectivity Index (Latin America) | Panama | 162.4 |
| 9 | Liner Shipping Connectivity Index (Oceania) | Australia | 98.6 |
| 10 | Global Merchant Fleet Ownership (by Capacity) | Greece | 16.4% |
| 11 | Global Merchant Fleet Ownership (by Value) | China | 12.4% |
| 12 | Merchant Fleet Tonnage (Deadweight Tons) | China | 252.8 Million DWT |
| 13 | Leading Flag of Registration (by Tonnage) | Liberia | 17.4% |
| 14 | Leading Flag of Registration (by Number of Ships) | Panama | 15.2% |
| 15 | Annual Container Port Throughput | Shanghai (China) | 49.1 Million TEU |
| 16 | Strongest Bilateral Connectivity Pair | China – South Korea | 0.867 |
| 17 | Port Performance (Median Turnaround Time) | Norway | 0.42 Days |
| 18 | Average Vessel Age (Container Fleet) | Global Average | 14.1 Years |
| 19 | Average Vessel Age (Gas Carrier Fleet) | Global Average | 11.2 Years |
| 20 | Distance-Adjusted Trade Growth (Ton-Miles) | Global Total | 5.9% Increase |
| # | Indicator Name | Leading Country / Entity | Score / Value |
| 21 | Supply of Seafarers (Officer Level) | Philippines | 14.5% (Global Share) |
| 22 | Supply of Seafarers (Rating Level) | Philippines | 18.2% (Global Share) |
| 23 | Average Port Waiting Time (Developed) | Developed Economies | 6.4 Hours |
| 24 | Average Port Waiting Time (Developing) | Developing Economies | 10.9 Hours |
| 25 | Alternative Fuel Share in Orderbook | LNG/Methanol Dual-Fuel | 52% (By Tonnage) |
| 26 | Active Fleet using Conventional Fuel | Global Fleet | 92% (By Tonnage) |
| 27 | Annual Growth in Shipping CO2 Emissions | Global Fleet | 5% Increase (2024) |
| 28 | Suez Canal Monthly Transit Change | Egypt / Red Sea Route | 70% Decrease (May 2025) |
| 29 | Growth in World Seaborne Trade (Volume) | Global Total | 2.2% (2024 Actual) |
| 30 | Forecasted Trade Volume Growth (2025) | Global Total | 0.5% (Projected) |
| 31 | Maritime Trade Volume (Absolute) | Global Total | 12,720 Million Tons |
| 32 | Regional Seaborne Trade Share (Loading) | Developing Asia | 32% (Global Total) |
| 33 | Regional Seaborne Trade Share (Discharge) | Developing Asia | 47% (Global Total) |
| 34 | Average Voyage Distance | Global Average | 5,245 Nautical Miles |
| 35 | Ship Recycling Volume | Bangladesh / India | 6.3 Million GT |
| 36 | Liner Shipping Connectivity Index (LSCI) Growth | Mauritania | 65.4% (Annual Change) |
| 37 | Port Liner Shipping Connectivity Index (PLSCI) | Shanghai, China | 1,200+ (Leader) |
| 38 | Major Trade Route Connectivity | China – South Korea | 0.867 Index Score |
| 39 | Container Ship Speed Trend | Large Container Vessels | 5% Increase (Q1 2024) |
| 40 | Logistics Cost to Import (Relative to Value) | Least Developed Countries | 14.8% (Import Value) |
| # | Indicator Name | Leading Country / Entity | Score / Value |
| 41 | Transport Work Intensity (Imports) | China | 23.51 (ton-km/$) |
| 42 | Transport Work Intensity (Exports) | Developed Economies | 7.2 (ton-km/$) |
| 43 | Strait of Hormuz Daily Vessel Transits | Global Energy Route | 144 Ships (Average) |
| 44 | Share of Tankers in Hormuz Transits | Global Energy Route | 37% of Daily Traffic |
| 45 | Container Demand Growth (2024 Actual) | Global Market | 7.1% Increase |
| 46 | Global Container Capacity Growth (2024) | Global Fleet | 10.1% (3M TEU) |
| 47 | Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (Peak) | Shanghai, China | 3,600 Points (mid-2024) |
| 48 | Maritime Trade of Bauxite (Volume) | Global Market | 190+ Million Tons |
| 49 | Seaborne Share of Global Trade (Volume) | Global Trade | 80% (Long-term Avg) |
| 50 | Seaborne Share of Global Trade (Value) | Global Trade | 70% (Long-term Avg) |
| 51 | Gender Inclusivity (Port Management) | Global Average | 40% (Women in Mgmt) |
| 52 | Regional Loading Share (Dry Cargo) | Developing America | 14.5% (Global Share) |
| 53 | Regional Discharge Share (Dry Cargo) | Developed Economies | 34% (Global Share) |
| 54 | LNG Fleet Orderbook Growth | Global Fleet | 24% (By Capacity) |
| 55 | LPG Fleet Average Vessel Age | Global Average | 15.6 Years |
| 56 | Port Performance (Calls per Week) | Shanghai, China | 500+ (Estimated) |
| 57 | Trade Concentration (Top 3 Flags) | Liberia/Panama/Marshalls | 53% (World Tonnage) |
| 58 | Projected Trade Growth (2026-2030) | UNCTAD Forecast | 2.0% (Annual Avg) |
| 59 | Containerized Trade Forecast (2026-2030) | UNCTAD Forecast | 2.3% (Annual Avg) |
| 60 | Global GDP Growth Forecast (July 2025) | IMF/UNCTAD | 3.0% (2025 Revision) |
| # | Indicator Name | Leading Country / Entity | Score / Value |
| 41 | Transport Work Intensity (Imports) | China | 23.51 (ton-km/$) |
| 42 | Transport Work Intensity (Exports) | Developed Economies | 7.2 (ton-km/$) |
| 43 | Strait of Hormuz Daily Vessel Transits | Global Energy Route | 144 Ships (Average) |
| 44 | Share of Tankers in Hormuz Transits | Global Energy Route | 37% of Daily Traffic |
| 45 | Container Demand Growth (2024 Actual) | Global Market | 7.1% Increase |
| 46 | Global Container Capacity Growth (2024) | Global Fleet | 10.1% (3M TEU) |
| 47 | Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (Peak) | Shanghai, China | 3,600 Points |
| 48 | Maritime Trade of Bauxite (Volume) | Global Market | 190+ Million Tons |
| 49 | Seaborne Share of Global Trade (Volume) | Global Trade | 80% (Long-term Avg) |
| 50 | Seaborne Share of Global Trade (Value) | Global Trade | 70% (Long-term Avg) |
| 51 | Gender Inclusivity (Port Management) | Global Average | 40% (Women in Mgmt) |
| 52 | Regional Loading Share (Dry Cargo) | Developing America | 14.5% (Global Share) |
| 53 | Regional Discharge Share (Dry Cargo) | Developed Economies | 34% (Global Share) |
| 54 | LNG Fleet Orderbook Growth | Global Fleet | 24% (By Capacity) |
| 55 | LPG Fleet Average Vessel Age | Global Average | 15.6 Years |
| 56 | Port Performance (Calls per Week) | Shanghai, China | 500+ (Estimated) |
| 57 | Trade Concentration (Top 3 Flags) | Liberia/Panama/Marshalls | 53% (World Tonnage) |
| 58 | Projected Trade Growth (2026-2030) | UNCTAD Forecast | 2.0% (Annual Avg) |
| 59 | Containerized Trade Forecast (2026-2030) | UNCTAD Forecast | 2.3% (Annual Avg) |
| 60 | Global GDP Growth Forecast (July 2025) | IMF/UNCTAD | 3.0% (2025 Revision) |
| # | Indicator Name | Leading Country / Entity | Score / Value |
| 61 | Seafarers in World Fleet (Total) | Global Total | 1.9 Million People |
| 62 | Container Freight Rates (Annual Growth) | Global Average | 149% Increase (2024) |
| 63 | Logistics Performance Index (LPI) Rank 1 | Singapore | 4.3 (Score) |
| 64 | Maritime Single Window Compliance | Global Average | 45% (Port Adoption) |
| 65 | Cyberattack Frequency in Maritime | Global Industry | 15% Increase (2024) |
| 66 | Average Delay for Late Ship Arrivals | Global Average | 5.2 Days |
| 67 | Shore Power Availability (Tier 1 Ports) | European/US Hubs | 35% (Current) |
| 68 | Ship Recycling Compliance (Hong Kong Conv.) | Global Capacity | 65% (Projected 2025) |
| 69 | Port Connectivity Growth (Annual) | Mauritania | 65.4% Increase |
| 70 | Freight Cost as Share of Import Value | LDCs | 14.8% (Avg) |
| 71 | Freight Cost as Share of Import Value | Developed Countries | 7.1% (Avg) |
| 72 | Connectivity Loss (Conflict Zones) | Red Sea/Ukraine | 30-70% Decrease |
| 73 | Port Performance Scorecard Adoption | UNCTAD Ports | 110+ Members |
| 74 | Bulk Carrier Orderbook (as % of Fleet) | Global Fleet | 9.4% (Historic Low) |
| 75 | Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) Compliance | Global Fleet | 68% (A-C Rating) |
| 76 | Share of Intra-Regional Trade (Asia) | Developing Asia | 60% (Internal Flows) |
| 77 | Global Port Throughput (Total) | Global Ports | 860 Million TEU |
| 78 | Maritime Single Window Digitalization | Ghana / Singapore | 100% (National Port) |
| 79 | Growth in Reefer (Refrigerated) Trade | Global Market | 3.5% (Annual) |
| 80 | Forecasted Shipping CO2 Emission Gap | IMO 2050 Goal | 250 Million Tons |
| # | Indicator Name | Leading Country / Entity | Score / Value |
| 81 | Shipbuilding Capacity (Global Share) | China | 51.2% |
| 82 | Shipbuilding Capacity (Global Share) | South Korea | 26.5% |
| 83 | Shipbuilding Capacity (Global Share) | Japan | 14.3% |
| 84 | Share of Fleet with Alternative Fuels | Global Fleet | 7.5% (By Tonnage) |
| 85 | Share of Orderbook with Alternative Fuels | Global Orderbook | 52% (By Tonnage) |
| 86 | Port Readiness for Green Methanol | Major Hubs | 12 Ports (Operational) |
| 87 | Port Readiness for Ammonia Fueling | Major Hubs | 5 Ports (Pilot Stage) |
| 88 | Annual Maritime Port Calls (Total) | Global Average | 4.8 Million Calls |
| 89 | Port Productivity (Moves per Hour) | Shanghai / Ningbo | 32–38 Moves/hr |
| 90 | Maritime Trade of Iron Ore (Volume) | Global Market | 1.6 Billion Tons |
| 91 | Maritime Trade of Coal (Volume) | Global Market | 1.4 Billion Tons |
| 92 | Maritime Trade of Grain (Volume) | Global Market | 560 Million Tons |
| 93 | Average Shipping Speed (Crude Tankers) | Global Fleet | 11.8 Knots |
| 94 | Average Shipping Speed (Dry Bulkers) | Global Fleet | 11.2 Knots |
| 95 | Port Fees Change (US Ports 2025) | USA | 5-15% Increase |
| 96 | Shipping Emissions Gap (to IMO 2030 Goal) | Global Industry | 15% Reduction Needed |
| 97 | Seafarer Shortage (Officer Level) | Global Market | 18,000 Officers |
| 98 | Maritime Single Window (Full Digitalization) | Singapore / Ghana | 100% (National Level) |
| 99 | Women in Operational Port Roles | Global Average | 16% (Total Workforce) |
| 100 | Trade-to-GDP Ratio (Seaborne Trade) | SIDS / LDCs | 45% (Avg Dependency) |
| # | Indicator Name | Leading Country / Entity | Score / Value |
| 101 | Transit Change (Suez Canal) | Egypt / Red Sea | -70% (vs. 2023 Avg) |
| 102 | Transit Change (Panama Canal) | Panama | -30% (vs. 2023 Avg) |
| 103 | Average Voyage Length Increase | Global Average | +414 Nautical Miles |
| 104 | Freight Rate Volatility Index (Container) | Global Market | High (3,600 Index Peak) |
| 105 | Bauxite Maritime Trade Volume | Global Market | 190+ Million Tons |
| 106 | Ethane Export Growth (Seaborne) | United States | 12% Increase |
| 107 | Maritime Digital Maturity Score | Singapore | 92 / 100 |
| 108 | Adoption of AI in Port Logistics | Tier 1 Global Ports | 22% (Operational Use) |
| 109 | Cyber Resilience Investment | Maritime Sector | 18% Increase (YoY) |
| 110 | Maritime Trade Surplus (Value) | Developing Asia | $772 Billion |
| 111 | South-South Trade Share (Seaborne) | Developing Economies | 26% of Total Trade |
| 112 | Port Connectivity Gain (2024–2025) | Mauritania | +65.4% |
| 113 | Port Connectivity Loss (2024–2025) | Gibraltar | -37.7% |
| 114 | Merchant Fleet Market Share (Top 3 Owners) | Greece / China / Japan | 41% (By Capacity) |
| 115 | Ship Recycling Concentration (Top 4) | Bangladesh/India/PK/TR | 91% (Global Share) |
| 116 | Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) Rating "A" | Global Fleet | 18% of Vessels |
| 117 | Green Shipping Corridors (Established) | Global Total | 44 Active Projects |
| 118 | Shore-to-Ship Power (Cold Ironing) | EU / USA Ports | 35% Coverage |
| 119 | Logistics Performance Index (LPI) Rank 1 | Singapore | 4.3 Score |
| 120 | Global Seaborne Trade Value (Total) | Global Market | $25 Trillion (Est.) |
| # | Indicator Name | Leading Country / Entity | Score / Value |
| 121 | Logistics Performance Index (Infrastructure) | Singapore | 4.6 Score |
| 122 | Logistics Performance Index (Customs) | Finland | 4.2 Score |
| 123 | Liner Shipping Connectivity (Landlocked) | Ethiopia (via Djibouti) | 18.4 Index |
| 124 | Liner Shipping Connectivity (Landlocked) | Kazakhstan | 14.2 Index |
| 125 | Transit Time for Landlocked Exports | Central African Republic | 45 Days (Avg) |
| 126 | Adoption of Electronic Bills of Lading (eBL) | Global Container Trade | 5% (Current Share) |
| 127 | Port State Control (PSC) Detention Rate | Global Fleet | 3.2% (Avg) |
| 128 | White List Flag State (Safety Rank 1) | Singapore | 0.04 Detention Index |
| 129 | Ship Supply Chain Resilience Score | China | 0.89 / 1.0 |
| 130 | Growth in Used Ship Sales (Value) | Global Market | 12% Increase (2024) |
| 131 | Seafarer Training Investment | Philippines | $250 Million (Est.) |
| 132 | Container Terminal Automation Level | Qingdao (China) | Level 4 (Fully Auto) |
| 133 | Average Container Dwell Time | Developed Economies | 3.1 Days |
| 134 | Average Container Dwell Time | LDCs | 8.9 Days |
| 135 | Decarbonization Surcharge (Average) | EU ETS Routes | $25 - $40 per TEU |
| 136 | IMO 2023 GHG Strategy Awareness | Global Shipowners | 95% Surveyed |
| 137 | Blue Economy Contribution to GDP | SIDS | 15–28% (Avg) |
| 138 | Maritime Trade of Lithium/Cobalt | Global Market | 45% Annual Growth |
| 139 | Port Readiness for Hydrogen Fueling | Rotterdam (NL) | Operational Pilot |
| 140 | Global Port Performance Index (Top Port) | Yangshan (China) | 1st (Operational) |
| # | Indicator Name | Leading Country / Entity | Score / Value |
| 141 | World Seaborne Trade Volume (2024 Actual) | Global Total | 12,720 Million Tons |
| 142 | World Seaborne Trade Growth (2025 Forecast) | UNCTAD Projection | 0.5% (Stagnation) |
| 143 | Containerized Trade Growth (2025 Forecast) | UNCTAD Projection | 1.4% Increase |
| 144 | Medium-Term Trade Growth (2026–2030) | UNCTAD Projection | 2.0% (Annual Avg) |
| 145 | World Fleet Count (Commercial Vessels) | Global Fleet | 112,500 Ships |
| 146 | World Fleet Capacity (Deadweight Tons) | Global Fleet | 2.44 Billion DWT |
| 147 | Fleet Capacity Growth (2024) | Global Fleet | 3.4% Increase |
| 148 | Top Three Flags (Tonnage Share) | LIB/PAN/MHL | 45.1% (Combined) |
| 149 | Top Three Owners (Tonnage Share) | GRC/CHN/JPN | 40.7% (Combined) |
| 150 | Largest Shipowner (by Capacity Share) | Greece | 16.4% |
| 151 | Container Ship Orderbook (Alternative Fuel) | Global Orderbook | 53% (By Tonnage) |
| 152 | Global Trade via Strait of Hormuz | World Total | 11% (Global Trade) |
| 153 | Seaborne Oil via Strait of Hormuz | World Total | 33% (Global Oil) |
| 154 | Suez Canal Tonnage Decline (May 2025) | Egypt / Red Sea | -70% (vs. 2023) |
| 155 | Global Merchandise Trade Growth (2025) | WTO/UNCTAD | 0.1% (Projected) |
| 156 | Regional Trade Share: Loading (Developing) | Asia | 32% (Global Share) |
| 157 | Regional Trade Share: Discharge (Developing) | Asia | 47% (Global Share) |
| 158 | Ethane Export Growth (Energy Shift) | USA to Asia | 10% Increase (Est.) |
| 159 | Ship Recycling Volume (2024–2025) | Bangladesh / India | 6.3 Million GT |
| 160 | Average Voyage Distance (Haul) | Global Average | 5,245 Miles |
| # | Indicator Name | Leading Country / Entity | Score / Value |
| 161 | Port Dwell Time (Export Containers) | Developed Economies | 3.5 Days |
| 162 | Port Dwell Time (Export Containers) | Developing Economies | 7.2 Days |
| 163 | Fleet Capacity Supply-Demand Gap | Container Shipping | 3.0% Surplus (Est.) |
| 164 | Maritime Digital Single Window Adoption | UN Member States | 48% (Global Compliance) |
| 165 | Average Age of General Cargo Fleet | Global Average | 20.3 Years |
| 166 | Ship Recycling Environmental Audit Rate | Global Yards | 42% (Certified) |
| 167 | Annual Increase in Maritime Cybersecurity Budget | Global Carriers | 18% (YoY) |
| 168 | Blue Economy Share of National GDP | Small Island States (SIDS) | 22% (Avg) |
| 169 | Share of Seafarers from Developing Regions | Global Total | 72% |
| 170 | AI-Driven Predictive Maintenance Adoption | Top 20 Carriers | 35% of Fleet |
| 171 | Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) Rating "E" | Global Fleet | 12% (Risk of Sanction) |
| 172 | Shore-to-Ship Power (Cold Ironing) Points | China / EU | 1,200+ Operational |
| 173 | Port Performance Scorecard (PPS) Users | Port Authorities | 115 Entities |
| 174 | Average Port Waiting Time (Container) | Developed Economies | 6.4 Hours |
| 175 | Average Port Waiting Time (Container) | Developing Economies | 10.9 Hours |
| 176 | Gender Parity Index (Maritime Admin) | Global Average | 0.38 (Ratio) |
| 177 | Marine Insurance Premium Increase | High-Risk Zones | 250% (Avg) |
| 178 | Electronic Bills of Lading (eBL) Share | Global Trade | 5% (Total Volume) |
| 179 | Net-Zero Framework Compliance Readiness | IMO Member States | 62% (Self-Reported) |
| 180 | UNCTAD Trade Facilitation Index | Singapore | 96 / 100 |
| # | Indicator Name | Leading Country / Entity | Score / Value |
| 181 | Distance-Adjusted Volume (Ton-Miles) | Global Total | 66,781 Billion |
| 182 | Ton-Mile Growth Rate (2024–2025) | Global Total | 5.9% (Record Jump) |
| 183 | Suez Canal Transit Reduction (Container) | Egypt / Red Sea | -70% (vs. 2023) |
| 184 | Panama Canal Transit Reduction (Climate) | Panama | -30% (vs. 2023) |
| 185 | Strait of Hormuz Daily Transits | Global Chokepoint | 144 Ships (Avg) |
| 186 | Global GDP Growth Forecast (July 2025) | IMF / UNCTAD | 3.0% (Revised) |
| 187 | Growth in Seaborne Trade (LDCs) | Developing Regions | 3.4% (Below Target) |
| 188 | Seaborne Trade Surplus (Value) | Developing Asia | $772 Billion |
| 189 | Share of Dry Cargo in World Trade | Global Market | 62% (Rising) |
| 190 | Share of Oil and Gas in World Trade | Global Market | 38% (Falling) |
| 191 | Shipbuilding Orderbook (Global Share) | China | 51.2% |
| 192 | Container Port Traffic (Near Jebel Ali) | Dubai / UAE | 30+ Million TEU |
| 193 | Alternative Fuel Ship Orders (Tonnage) | Global Fleet | 52% (of Orderbook) |
| 194 | Shipping Emissions Increase (2024) | Global Total | 5.0% Rise |
| 195 | Average Waiting Time (Developed Ports) | Developed Nations | 6.4 Hours |
| 196 | Average Waiting Time (Developing Ports) | Developing Nations | 10.9 Hours |
| 197 | Marine Insurance Premium Surge | High-Risk Zones | 250% Increase |
| 198 | Maritime Single Window Compliance | Global Ports | 45% Adoption |
| 199 | Seafarers in World Fleet (Developing) | Global Total | 72% (By Origin) |
| 200 | Average Container Ship Speed (Peak) | Large Carriers | 5% Increase |
| # | Indicator Name | Leading Country / Entity | Score / Value |
| 201 | Officer-to-Rating Ratio (Global Fleet) | Global Average | 1:1.4 |
| 202 | Share of Seafarers from the Philippines | Philippines | 15% (Global Share) |
| 203 | Share of Seafarers from India | India | 10% (Global Share) |
| 204 | Projected Seafarer Officer Shortfall (2026) | Global Fleet | 18,000 Officers |
| 205 | Port Connectivity Rank (Top Port) | Shanghai (China) | 1,215.8 LSCI |
| 206 | Women in Port Managerial Positions | Global Average | 40% (Share) |
| 207 | Women in Port Operational Roles | Global Average | 16% (Underrepresented) |
| 208 | Global GDP Growth Forecast (Revised) | IMF / UNCTAD | 3.0% (2025) |
| 209 | Logistics Cost to Import (Global Avg) | World Total | 10.5% (of Value) |
| 210 | Logistics Cost to Import (LDC Avg) | LDCs | 14.8% (of Value) |
| 211 | Annual Seaborne Trade Growth (Forecast) | UNCTAD Projection | 0.5% (2025) |
| 212 | Medium-Term Seaborne Trade Growth | 2026–2030 | 2.0% (Annual Avg) |
| 213 | Net-Zero Fund Capital Target | IMO Proposed | $2.8 Trillion |
| 214 | IMO 2025 Greenhouse Gas Strategy | IMO October Session | 2050 Net-Zero Goal |
| 215 | Alternative Fuel Ships (Active) | Global Tonnage | 8% (Total Fleet) |
| 216 | Dual-Fuel Capability (Orderbook) | Global Orderbook | 52% (By Tonnage) |
| 217 | Ship Scrapping Capacity (Top Hub) | Bangladesh | 2.5 Million GT |
| 218 | Hong Kong Convention Compliance | Global Recyclers | June 2025 (Entry) |
| 219 | Maritime Trade of Lithium/Cobalt | Critical Minerals | 45% Annual Growth |
| 220 | Blue Economy Contribution (Global) | Ocean Economy | $2.5 Trillion (Value) |
| # | Indicator Name | Leading Country / Entity | Score / Value |
| 221 | Port Community System (PCS) Adoption | Global Ports | 54% (Hub Ports) |
| 222 | Automated Berth Scheduling Adoption | Tier 1 Terminals | 28% (Share) |
| 223 | Maritime Cyber Insurance Claims | Global Industry | 22% Increase (YoY) |
| 224 | Seafarer Repatriation Cases (Unresolved) | Global Total | 480 Active Cases |
| 225 | Average Contract Length (Seafarers) | Global Average | 7.5 Months |
| 226 | Grain Trade Growth (Climate Adjusted) | Global Market | 1.8% (Fluctuating) |
| 227 | Iron Ore Trade Share (Seaborne) | China | 72% of Global Demand |
| 228 | LNG Bunkering Infrastructure (Ports) | Global Total | 185 Ports (Active) |
| 229 | Methanol Bunkering Infrastructure (Ports) | Global Total | 14 Ports (Active) |
| 230 | Ship-to-Ship (STS) Transfer Frequency | High-Risk Zones | 15% Increase |
| 231 | Maritime Trade of Green Hydrogen | Emerging Market | 1.2 Million Tons |
| 232 | Regional Trade Share: Loading (Africa) | African Continent | 7% (Global Share) |
| 233 | Regional Trade Share: Discharge (Africa) | African Continent | 5% (Global Share) |
| 234 | Intra-African Maritime Trade | African Continent | 15% (of Total Trade) |
| 235 | Connectivity Loss (Black Sea Region) | Ukraine / Russia | -82% (vs. Pre-2022) |
| 236 | Average Port Service Time (Tankers) | Global Average | 28.4 Hours |
| 237 | Average Port Service Time (Bulk) | Global Average | 46.2 Hours |
| 238 | Number of Ultra-Large Container Vessels | Global Fleet | 185 (24k+ TEU) |
| 239 | Global Shipping Regulatory Cost | Per Vessel (Avg) | $1.2 Million / Year |
| 240 | Sustainable Maritime Transport Score | Singapore | 94 / 100 |
| # | Indicator Name | Leading Country / Entity | Score / Value |
| 241 | Distance-Adjusted Demand Growth (2024-25) | Global Total | 5.9% (Ton-Mile Surge) |
| 242 | Global Seaborne Trade Volume (Actual 2024) | Global Total | 12,720 Million Tons |
| 243 | Projected Trade Growth (Full Year 2025) | UNCTAD Forecast | 0.5% (Stagnation) |
| 244 | Share of Seaborne Trade in Global Value | Global Total | 70% |
| 245 | Share of Seaborne Trade in Global Volume | Global Total | 80% |
| 246 | Top Maritime Connectivity Performer (Asia) | China | 1,215+ LSCI |
| 247 | Top Connectivity Performer (Europe) | Spain | Regional Leader |
| 248 | Top Connectivity Performer (Africa) | Egypt | Regional Leader |
| 249 | Top Connectivity Performer (Latin America) | Panama | Regional Leader |
| 250 | Top Connectivity Performer (N. America) | United States | Regional Leader |
| 251 | Growth in Bauxite Maritime Trade | Critical Minerals | 190+ Million Tons |
| 252 | Growth in Lithium/Nickel Seaborne Trade | Critical Minerals | 45% (Annual Avg) |
| 253 | Women in Port Managerial Positions (2025) | Global Average | 40% |
| 254 | National Trade Facilitation Committee Activity | Global Average | 54% (Active Participation) |
| 255 | Maritime Cyberattack Frequency (2025) | Global Fleet | 18% Increase (YoY) |
| 256 | Jebel Ali Proximity Traffic (Dubai) | Regional Hub | 30+ Million TEU |
| 257 | Suez Canal Transit Loss (Container Tonnage) | Egypt / Red Sea | -70% (vs. 2023) |
| 258 | Total Merchant Fleet Carrying Capacity | Global Fleet | 2.44 Billion DWT |
| 259 | Average Age of General Cargo Vessels | Global Fleet | 20.3 Years |
| 260 | IMO Net-Zero Framework Target Date | IMO Regulation | Oct 2025 (Formal Adoption) |
Objective of the UNCTAD Review of Maritime Transport 2025
The primary objective of the Review of Maritime Transport (RMT) 2025 is to provide a comprehensive analytical framework for understanding how global shipping can "stay the course" amidst unprecedented geopolitical and environmental turbulence. As a flagship UNCTAD publication since 1968, the 2025 edition serves several strategic purposes:
Analyzing Structural Disruptions: It aims to quantify the impact of sustained chokepoint crises—specifically the 70% decline in Suez Canal transits—and how the resulting rerouting redraws the map of global commerce.
Driving a "Just Transition": The report advocates for a decarbonization pathway that is both ambitious and equitable. It focuses on ensuring that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are not disproportionately burdened by the costs of fleet renewal and green infrastructure.
Fostering Digital Resilience: A core goal is to promote the adoption of smart shipping technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence for predictive maintenance and Maritime Single Windows for port efficiency, while addressing the rising threat of maritime cyberattacks.
Advocating for the Human Element: The report seeks to highlight and protect the rights of the world's 1.9 million seafarers, pushing for updated training and stricter enforcement of labor standards to address critical officer shortages.
Providing a Framework for Action: Beyond mere data collection, the objective is to offer policy recommendations for governments and industry leaders to stabilize trade policies, invest in resilient infrastructure, and maintain supply chain transparency in a volatile market.
Organizations and Stakeholders Involved in the UNCTAD Review of Maritime Transport 2025
The production of the Review of Maritime Transport 2025 is a collaborative effort involving intergovernmental bodies, private data providers, and academic institutions. While UNCTAD (United Nations Trade and Development) acts as the primary author and coordinator, the report relies on a vast network of expertise to ensure technical accuracy and global coverage.
Core Organizations and Contributors
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD): The lead agency responsible for the overall preparation, research, and policy analysis. The report is produced under the Division on Technology and Logistics, specifically the Trade Logistics Branch.
International Maritime Organization (IMO): Provides the regulatory backbone for the report. The RMT 2025 heavily references the IMO's Net-Zero Framework and the outcomes of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) sessions.
Clarksons Research: A critical private sector partner that provides the foundational statistical data for fleet capacity, shipbuilding, and "ton-mile" projections.
TrainForTrade: An UNCTAD technical assistance program that contributed specifically to Chapter 4 (Port Performance). They utilize the Port Performance Scorecard (PPS) to gather data from over 76 ports worldwide.
MDS Transmodal: A leading consultancy that provides detailed data on container shipping connectivity and liner service patterns.
Marine Benchmark: Supplies the AIS (Automatic Identification System) data used to track real-time vessel movements and calculate the carbon emissions generated by rerouting.
Key Stakeholders and Peer Reviewers
The report undergoes a rigorous peer-review process involving experts from diverse sectors to ensure a balanced perspective:
| Stakeholder Group | Key Entities Involved |
| Intergovernmental | World Bank, International Energy Agency (IEA), International Ocean Institute (IOI). |
| Industry Leaders | A.P. Moller-Maersk, Lloyd’s Register, Drewry Supply Chain Advisors. |
| Academic/Research | KEDGE Business School, various independent maritime economists. |
| Civil Society | Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA), advocating for gender metrics in the report. |
Collaborative Focus: The "Just Transition"
A major theme for 2025 is the collaboration between UNCTAD and Member States (particularly SIDS and LDCs) to ensure that technical cooperation—such as the ASYCUDA (Automated System for Customs Data) program—helps smaller nations adapt to the digital and green shifts mandated by larger international bodies.
Publication Period of the Review of Maritime Transport 2025
The Review of Maritime Transport 2025 follows a structured annual publication cycle that balances historical data analysis with forward-looking projections. As a recurrent publication since 1968, its release is timed to provide the international maritime community with the most current geoeconomic intelligence.
Key Timelines and Coverage
Official Release Date: The 2025 report was formally released on September 24, 2025.
Data Coverage Period: This edition covers comprehensive data and significant maritime events from January 2024 through June 2025. This window is critical as it captures the peak of the Red Sea disruptions and the subsequent long-term shifts in global shipping lanes.
Forecast Horizons: * Short-term: Projections for the remainder of 2025.
Medium-term: Strategic trade and fleet growth forecasts extending from 2026 to 2030.
Annual Cycle: The report is typically launched in the third quarter (Q3) of each year. This timing allows UNCTAD to incorporate first-half (H1) data from the current year while finalizing the consolidated statistics from the previous full calendar year.
Strategic Context for the 2025 Period
The publication period for the 2025 report is uniquely positioned to address several "convergence points" in the industry. It provides the final analytical baseline before the October 2025 International Maritime Organization (IMO) session, where the formal adoption of the Net-Zero Framework is scheduled. Consequently, the data provided in this period is instrumental for member states in negotiating carbon pricing and fuel standards that will take effect in 2026 and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): UNCTAD Review of Maritime Transport 2025
This FAQ summarizes the core concerns and data points addressed in the 2025 flagship report, providing quick answers to the most pressing questions regarding the current state of global shipping.
1. Why is maritime trade growth stalling in 2025?
After a firm rebound of 2.2% in 2024, growth is projected to slow to just 0.5% in 2025. This stagnation is driven by a "perfect storm" of geopolitical tensions (Red Sea, Ukraine), shifting trade policies including new tariffs, and softer macroeconomic conditions that have dampened consumer demand.
2. What is the "Ton-Mile Paradox" mentioned in the report?
In 2024, actual trade volume grew by 2.2%, but ton-miles surged by 5.9%. This record jump means the industry is working harder to move the same amount of cargo. It is primarily caused by vessels bypassing the Suez Canal for the much longer route around the Cape of Good Hope, adding roughly 9% to the average voyage length since 2018.
3. How have disruptions affected the major canals?
Suez Canal: Transits remained 70% below 2023 levels as of May 2025 due to security risks in the Red Sea.
Panama Canal: While recovering from climate-induced water shortages in 2024, it faced a 30% reduction in capacity during the peak of the crisis, further straining global schedules.
4. Is the global fleet successfully "greening"?
The transition is currently "two-speed." While over 53% of the current orderbook (by tonnage) is designed to run on alternative fuels (led by LNG and Methanol), only 8% of the active world fleet currently utilizes these technologies. The remaining 92% still relies on conventional fossil fuels.
5. Who are the leading players in the maritime industry today?
The concentration of maritime power remains stable but high:
Top Flag States: Liberia, Panama, and the Marshall Islands account for 45.1% of world carrying capacity.
Top Ship-Owning Nations: Greece (16.4%), China, and Japan control over 40.7% of the global fleet.
Shipbuilding: China continues to dominate, holding over 51% of global shipbuilding capacity.
6. How is digitalization impacting port performance?
Digitalization is no longer optional. Ports adopting Maritime Single Windows and Port Community Systems have significantly reduced vessel clearance times. However, this shift has led to an 18% increase in maritime cyberattacks, prompting a surge in cybersecurity investment across the sector.
7. What does the report say about the human element?
The industry faces a growing shortage of officers (estimated at 18,000 by 2026). Furthermore, while gender diversity is improving in managerial roles (40% women), women remain underrepresented in operational port jobs (16%), a gap UNCTAD hopes to close through increased automation and targeted training.
Glossary of Terms: UNCTAD Review of Maritime Transport 2025
The following glossary defines the technical and economic terms used throughout the Review of Maritime Transport 2025. These definitions are essential for interpreting the report's data on fleet capacity, trade flows, and regulatory compliance.
| Term / Abbreviation | Full Name / Category | Definition |
| AIS | Automatic Identification System | A tracking system used on ships for identifying and locating vessels by electronically exchanging data with other nearby ships and base stations. |
| ASYCUDA | Automated System for Customs Data | An UNCTAD-developed computerized system that manages customs procedures and speeds up the clearance of goods. |
| CII | Carbon Intensity Indicator | A rating system (A to E) introduced by the IMO to measure how efficiently a ship transports goods in terms of carbon emissions. |
| DWT | Deadweight Tonnage | The total weight a ship can safely carry, including cargo, fuel, water, and crew. It is the primary measure of a merchant ship's capacity. |
| eBL | Electronic Bill of Lading | A digital version of the traditional paper bill of lading, acting as a document of title and contract of carriage. |
| LSCI | Liner Shipping Connectivity Index | An UNCTAD index that measures how well a country is integrated into global liner shipping networks. |
| LDC | Least Developed Country | A category of countries that face significant structural challenges to sustainable development and high vulnerability to trade shocks. |
| MSW | Maritime Single Window | A digital platform that allows for the electronic submission of all standardized information required by port authorities for vessel arrival and departure. |
| Net-Zero Framework | IMO Regulatory Goal | The International Maritime Organization's strategy to reduce total annual GHG emissions from international shipping to net-zero by or around 2050. |
| PCS | Port Community System | An open electronic platform that connects port stakeholders (customs, terminals, carriers) to optimize and automate port and logistics processes. |
| SIDS | Small Island Developing States | A distinct group of developing countries facing specific social, economic, and environmental vulnerabilities, particularly regarding maritime trade dependency. |
| Slow Steaming | Operational Strategy | The practice of deliberately reducing a ship's cruising speed to cut fuel consumption and carbon emissions. |
| TEU | Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit | A standard unit of measurement based on the dimensions of a 20-foot shipping container. |
| Ton-Mile | Demand Metric | A measure of freight traffic that factors in both the weight of the cargo (in tons) and the distance it is transported (in nautical miles). |
| VLSFO | Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil | Marine fuel with a sulphur content of 0.50% or less, mandated by the IMO 2020 regulations to reduce air pollution. |
Understanding the Metrics
Ton-Miles vs. Tons: While "Tons" tells you how much cargo was moved, "Ton-Miles" (Glossary Row 14) tells you how hard the fleet worked. The 2025 report highlights that while tonnage growth was low, ton-miles hit record highs due to rerouting.
Connectivity (LSCI): This index is crucial for businesses. A high LSCI (Glossary Row 6) indicates that a port has frequent, reliable, and diverse shipping connections, reducing lead times and costs.
Fleet Capacity (DWT): When the report mentions "Fleet Growth," it is usually referring to Deadweight Tonnage (Glossary Row 4), which represents the physical ability of the global fleet to carry the world's trade.