The Review of Maritime Transport 2025 explains that global shipping is going through a difficult moment, with the growth of maritime trade slowing down and costs rising. Trade at sea grew 2.2% in 2024, but it is expected to grow only 0.5% in 2025, partly because ships must take longer routes due to problems in the Red Sea and temporary limits in the Panama Canal, which also caused a 5.9% increase in ton‑miles and more delays, costs and emissions.
The report also says that digital tools are becoming essential in ports, even though they increase cyber risks, and that the transition to greener fuels is still slow, with only 8% of the world fleet ready for alternative fuels. UNCTAD notes some progress in gender equality, with women holding about 40% of port management positions, but they are still few in operational jobs. It concludes that shipping is facing “turbulent waters” due to a mix of geopolitical tensions, environmental pressures and new technologies that are changing how the sector works.
