3. Maritime transport services

Vessel specialization (container ships, ro-ro ships, gas carriers, polythermals, etc.) and technical improvements, such as reduced energy consumption, increased speed and larger ships, have led to significant economies of scale and a corresponding reduction in transport costs. The main ship categories are

• tankers, which in 2004 accounted for 37% of the world fleet (in deadweight tons (DWT));

• bulk carriers also 36% ;

• the remaining 30% is divided between container ships (11%), conventional vessels (11%) and various other specialized vessels.

The share of container ships is small in terms of tonnage, but is growing in importance in terms of the value of products transported. Conventional vessels are increasingly excluded from major world trades,...