This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the economics of the business of
maritime transport. It provides an economic explanation of four aspects of maritime
transport, namely, the demand, the supply, the market and the strategy.
The book first explains why seaborne trade happens and what its development
trends are; it then analyses the main features of shipping supply and how various
shipping markets function; the book finally addresses the critical strategic issues of the
shipping business. The full range of different types of shipping are covered throughout
the chapters and cases. The book combines the basic principles of maritime transport
with the modern shipping business and the latest technological developments,
particularly in the area of digital disruption. The ideas and explanations are supported
and evidenced by practical examples and more than 160 tables and figures. The
questions posed by the book are similar to those that would be asked by students in
their learning process or professionals in the business environment, with the answers
concentrating on the reasons for what has happened and will happen in the future
rather than merely fact-telling or any specific forecast.
The book is most suited for students of shipping-related disciplines, and is also a
valuable reference for maritime professionals.