Maritime transport (or ocean transport) or more generally waterborne transport, is the transport of people (passengers) or goods (cargo) via waterways. Freight transport by sea has been widely used throughout recorded history. The advent of aviation has diminished the importance of sea travel for passengers, though it is still popular for short trips and pleasure cruises. Transport by water is cheaper than transport by air or ground, but significantly slower for longer distances. Maritime transport accounts for roughly 80% of international trade, according to UNCTAD in 2020.
maritime transport (or ocean transport) or more generally waterborne transport is the transport of people (passengers) or goods (cargo) via waterways freight transport by sea has been widely used throughout recorded history the advent of aviation has diminished the importance of sea travel for passengers though it is still popular for short trips and pleasure cruises transport by water is cheaper than transport by air or ground but significantly slower for longer distances maritime transport accounts for roughly 80% of international trade according to unctad in 2020