In the modern global economic system there exist different modes of transportation. Each mode is preferred depending on the type of goods it transports, quantity, and how perishable the goods are. Even though these modes of transportation are many, maritime transport is the dominant mode used in global economic system.
Maritime transportation is preferred due to its many advantages. For instance, it is suitable in transporting huge quantities of goods compared to other modes. Moreover, its focus is on movement of freight over long distances due to lack of other alternative means. Therefore, it has absolute advantage over other modes of transportation, especially considering the fact that the manufacturing point may be different from the consumption points. Large quantities of raw materials like minerals e.g. iron used in making steel and coal, which is a source of energy, are too bulky to be transported overseas using other means, hence the need to use maritime transportation. Due to globalization, issues of cost and capability among nations led to the need for moving large quantities of goods over long distances, hence maritime transport is more suitable, (Rodrigue, Notteboom, & Slack, 2016). The development of large ships has made maritime transportation cost effective as such vessels have the ability to carry large amounts of goods.
Sea transportation also has its disadvantages. First, it is a slow method since container ships travel at an average speed of about 15knots. Second, this mode of transportation is also affected by delays during offloading and loading of cargos at the entry and exists of ports. Congestions, therefore, make it unsuitable for transporting highly perishable goods i.e. agricultural products like flowers and fruits which need to reach their destination fast (Rodrigue, Notteboom, & Slack, 2016).
On the other hand, air transportation would be a better mode in movement of highly perishable good since it is faster. Moreover, using air transport, landlocked countries can autonomously and directly export and import their manufactured goods without incurring an extra cost of long road or rail transport. Advancement in plane engines also makes it environmentally friendly than maritime transport, (International Transport Forum, 2009).
References
International Transport Forum. (2009). Highlights of International Transport Forum 2009: Transport for the Global Econom: Challenges and Opportunities in the Downturn. Leipzig: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
Rodrigue, J., Notteboom, T., & Slack, B. (2016). The geography of transport systems: Maritime transportation. People.hofstra.edu. Retrieved from https://people.hofstra.edu/geotrans/eng/ch3en/conc3en/ch3c4en.html
