How Ports fit into World Economy - Maritime Study Forum

The international shipping industry not only caters to the needs of the individual traders across the world but also contributes to the development of an economy. World sea ports act as the working stations or gateways of this industry. Yes, the significance of a well-functioning seaport goes beyond what we seem to visualise. In this era of fast globalisation, the economic experts regard the world sea ports as “major accelerators” of local economies. If one considers the statistics, it would appear that around six to seven seaports of China fall under the list of “Top 10 busiest ports in the world”. And the world knows how big an economy the country has grown to be! 

So, it becomes imperative for the players of the shipping industry to recognise the magnitude of the influence that world sea ports have on the economy. Also, gathering all the port information is useful and productive as it would help them build their network effectively. Let us understand how seaports impact the functioning of the global economy. 

Serve the World Supply Chain 

The geographical location of all the countries in the world does not offer an equal amount of natural resources to produce all the necessities. Some nations are rich in crude oils and petroleum gases while some in edible products. This inequality brings the world together to “trade” and maintains a supply chain. Without potential world sea ports, it would have been nearly impossible to maintain the trade relations. 

Major Gateways of Foreign Trade 

The revolutionary discoveries like the aircraft have made it easier for people and goods and services to travel from one country to the other. However, there are limitations to the airborne transportation as the safety guidelines prevent the traders from shipping various goods. Therefore, most of the shipping industry relies on maritime transportation, and without the world sea ports, the foreign trade of several products would not have been possible. 

Offer Employment Opportunities 

In India, there are over 205 notified seaports out of which 13 act as the major participants of the shipping industry. Similarly, the number of world sea ports accounts to 935 registered and functioning ones in all the trading countries. All these ports employ labourers, crane operators, ground staff, etc., employing thousands of people in a healthy work environment. Freight work, maintenance and technical work, trucking work, all feeding into the grand scale of things.

Accelerate Economic Integration 

The utilisation of the world sea ports has been increasing rapidly with the growth and development of the global trade market. With more and more countries tying in the bond of trade, the market prices have become more competitive in terms of transportation, goods and services. The efficiency of ports also has a positive impact on the industrialization sector of a country. Therefore, one cannot resist but accept the positive influence that ports bestow on the economic integration of a country. 

Enhance Biological Diversity

The port authorities help in enhancing biological diversity by complying to the norms of maritime and wildlife conservation. Most of the world sea ports abide by the rules and regulations of transportation and pollution limitations. Some ports also finance and support water cleaning and removals of harmful particles from the ocean. Newark Bay, one of the world sea ports, is home to wildlife, water-dependent industries and fishery as well. 

With so many benefits to the economic growth and development of a country, the world sea ports make a strong stand in the global trade industry. The traders who know all the port information will always enjoy the benefit of better planning. Therefore, every professional associated with the shipping industry must know all about the ports to be able to indulge in business relations more effectively. Refer to shipping blogs of trusted websites to get all the information handy!