Overview of the World Maritime Fleet and Flows with Reference on the Fleet and Ports in the Republic of Croatia

In today’s interdependent and globalized world, efficient and cost-effective transportation systems that link global supply chains are the engine of fueling economic development and prosperity. With 80 per cent of global merchandise trade by volume carried by sea and handled by ports worldwide, the strategic economic importance of maritime transport as a trade enabler cannot be overemphasized. The trade competitiveness of all countries – developed and developing, and including landlocked countries – depends heavily on effective access to international shipping services and port networks. This paper presents the structure of world merchant fleet, maritime cargo flows and container traffic in the biggest container ports in the world. The paper also discusses role of the Republic of Croatia as a maritime country, with emphasis on the role and structure of maritime fleet and total maritime cargo traffic in seaports.