Sea freight is a well-established and vital logistics method that carries the vast majority of global trade. Although it may seem like a simple mode of transport at first glance, sea logistics is interwoven with complex technical processes, different types of vessels, specialized equipment, and international regulations. In this article, we will take a closer look at the fundamental technical details of sea freight and its critical role in global trade.

Basic Concepts and Terms:

• Tonnage: There are various units of measurement to express the carrying capacity of a vessel.
• Displacement Tonnage: The weight of the water displaced by the ship when fully loaded. It is generally used for naval vessels.
• Gross Tonnage (GT): A measure of the total internal volume of a ship. It is used to determine the size of commercial vessels.
• Net Tonnage (NT): A measure of the usable internal volume of a ship for carrying cargo and passengers. It is the basis for some tariffs, such as port fees.
• Deadweight Ton (DWT): The maximum weight of cargo, fuel, water, crew, and provisions that a ship can carry. It is important in commercial evaluations.
• Draft (Draught): The vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of the hull. It is a critical factor for berthing in ports and passing through canals.
• Freeboard: The vertical distance between the waterline and the main deck. It is an important element affecting the safety of the ship at sea.
• TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit): A standard unit in container shipping. It represents a container 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8.5 feet high.
• FEU (Forty-foot Equivalent Unit): Represents a container 40 feet long and is equivalent to 2 TEUs.
• IMO Number: A unique 7-digit number assigned to every ship by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). It is used to identify the ship.

Ship Types and Technical Specifications:

Various types of vessels are used in sea freight to suit different cargo types:

• Container Ships: Specifically designed to carry standard containers. They can be high-speed and have large capacities. Their capacity is expressed in TEUs.
• Bulk Carriers: Transport unpackaged bulk cargo such as coal, grain, and iron ore. They are generally large and slow-moving.
• Tankers: Specially constructed to carry liquid cargo (oil, chemicals, LNG/LPG, etc.). They can have different designs depending on the type of cargo.
• Ro-Ro Ships (Roll-on/Roll-off): Vessels where wheeled vehicles (trucks, automobiles, etc.) can be loaded and unloaded under their own power. They offer fast loading and unloading via ramps.
• General Cargo Ships: Can carry various packaged goods such as palletized cargo, crates, and bales. Their numbers have decreased due to containerization.
• Reefer Ships (Refrigerated Ships): Equipped with special refrigeration systems for transporting temperature-sensitive cargo (food, pharmaceuticals, etc.).

Ports and Terminal Operations:

Ports play a critical role in sea freight. They are centers where loading, unloading, storage, and transshipment operations take place. Modern ports typically have the following technical features:

• Deep-Water Berths: Piers with sufficient depth to accommodate large tonnage vessels.
• Advanced Cargo Handling Equipment: Container cranes (STS Cranes), mobile cranes, RTG (Rubber-Tyred Gantry) cranes, reach stackers for fast and efficient loading/unloading operations.
• Extensive Storage Areas: Container terminals, warehouses, cold storage facilities suitable for different cargo types.
• Automation Systems: Software, sensors, and automated equipment used to optimize terminal operations.
• Intermodal Connections: Integration with road and rail networks ensures the rapid transport of cargo to inland regions.

International Regulations and Safety:

Sea freight is regulated by numerous international agreements and organizations that govern safety and environmental impact:

• IMO (International Maritime Organization): A United Nations agency responsible for maritime safety, prevention of marine pollution, and setting maritime standards.
• SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea): An international treaty concerning the safety of life at sea.
• MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships): An international convention aimed at preventing marine pollution from ships.
• ISPS Code (International Ship and Port Facility Security Code): An international rule aimed at enhancing the security of ships and port facilities.

Conclusion:

Sea freight forms the foundation of global supply chains and operates with intricate technical details. Many factors, from ship types to port operations and international regulations to safety standards, are critical for the smooth functioning of this vast logistics network. With the advancement of technology, sea freight will continue to become more efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly. Understanding these technical details is vital for comprehending the workings of global trade and logistics strategies.