Container ship cargo ocean

Container ship crossing the ocean, symbol of global trade and modern maritime logistics.

About this subject

Container ships are the backbone of international trade, carrying about 90% of non-bulk goods. A single vessel can hold thousands of standardized containers, linking factories in Asia to markets in South America, Europe, and Africa. In Brazil, ports like Santos and Paranaguá handle millions of TEUs annually, exporting soybeans, iron ore, and manufactured products. The country's dependence on this mode is high, especially for agricultural exports.

The largest ships today, such as the Ever Given class, exceed 400 meters in length and have a capacity of over 20,000 TEUs. They operate on major routes like Asia-Europe and Asia-US East Coast. The crossing of the Atlantic Ocean takes about 10 to 15 days, depending on weather and route. Port logistics require gantry cranes and specialized terminals to optimize berthing time.

A historical curiosity: the standardization of containers in the 1960s revolutionized transport, reducing costs and loading time. Previously, goods were loaded loosely, a slow and damage-prone process. Today, a ship can be loaded in less than 24 hours. GPS navigation and weather forecasting help plot efficient routes, avoiding storms and saving fuel. However, the industry faces environmental challenges such as CO2 emissions and oil pollution. Measures like slow steaming and LNG fuel are being adopted to reduce ecological impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many containers can a container ship carry?

The largest ships can carry over 20,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). Smaller ships used on regional routes carry between 1,000 and 5,000 TEUs.

What is the busiest route for cargo ships?

The Asia-Europe route is the most congested, passing through the Strait of Malacca and the Suez Canal. Another important route is the Transpacific, between Asia and the US West Coast.

How are containers loaded and unloaded?

Gantry cranes at ports move containers from the ship to trucks or trains. The process is standardized and takes about 24 hours for a large vessel.