Maritime Supply Chain Actors

Shipping Company Types

• Liner shipping companies provide regular transportation services on designated routes with pre-advertised sailing schedules and fixed freight prices.

Container Liners

• The primary focus of container liners is to transport cargo in standardized containers, ensuring efficient loading and unloading processes.

Tramp Shipping

• Tramp shipping, also referred to as non-scheduled shipping, involves vessels that do not have fixed routes or schedules, often chartered on a per-voyage basis.

Bulk Carriers

• Bulk carriers in spot markets typically transport commodities like coal, grain, and iron ore which are traded on the basis of current market conditions.

RoRo Carriers

• Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) carriers primarily transport wheeled cargo, including cars, trucks, and heavy machinery, which can be driven on and off the ship.

Sailing Schedules Distinction

• Liner shipping operates on fixed schedules, while bulk shipping is more flexible, adjusting to market demands and opportunities without predetermined timings.

Primary Focus of RoRo Carriers

• The main focus of RoRo carriers is efficiency in loading and unloading vehicles, utilizing ramps for easy access, which reduces handling costs.

Break Bulk vs. Containerized Cargo

• Break bulk refers to cargo that is not shipped in containers and must be loaded individually, while containerized cargo is packed in containers for streamlined handling.

Specialized Shipping

• Specialized shipping involves dedicated vessels designed for specific types of cargo (e.g., liquid cargo, heavy lift) and is distinguished from general shipping categories by its tailored approaches and equipment.

Recall the various actors involved in the maritime supply chain and their roles, including shipping companies, shippers, freight forwarders, liner agents, and more. Understand the divisions in the shipping market and the categories it encompasses.