3. Maritime transport services

The specialization of ships (container ships, roll-on/roll-off ships, gas carriers, multi-purpose ships, etc.) and technical improvements, such as lower energy consumption, increased speed, and larger ship sizes, have led to significant economies of scale and, consequently, lower transportation costs. The main categories of ships are:

• oil tankers, which in 2004 accounted for 37% of the world fleet [in terms of deadweight tonnage (DWT)];

• bulk carriers 36% as well;

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

Container ships account for a small share of tonnage, but are significant in terms of the value of the goods transported. Conventional ships are increasingly...