How many tons are transported annually in shipping containers worldwide?
Sea freight plays a vital role in international trade, with shipping containers being a key element of this global logistics system. But how many tonnes of goods are actually transported in these containers around the world each year?
The importance of shipping containers in global trade
Shipping containers are standardized steel boxes that are used to transport and store goods. The most commonly used dimensions are 20 feet (6.06 m) and 40 feet (12.19 m) in length. These containers are designed to be compatible with various types of transportation, including ships, trains, trucks, and cranes. Their rugged steel construction makes them able to withstand the rigors of shipping, handling and storage.
Capacity and dimensions of containers
For example, a 40ft shipping container has external dimensions of 12.19m length, 2.44m width and 2.59m height. The internal dimensions are 12.025 m long, 2.352 m wide and 2.393 m high, with a payload capacity of 67.7 m³. These containers are capable of holding large quantities of goods and different types of cargo, making them a versatile tool for international transport.
Cargo volume
According to available statistics, approximately 80% of all goods in the world are transported by cargo ships, with containers playing a key role. It is estimated that more than 1.7 billion tonnes of goods are transported in shipping containers worldwide each year. This volume covers a wide range of products, from electronics and automotive parts to food and textiles.
The largest container ships
The largest container ships, such as the MSC Irina, have a capacity of up to 24,346 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit). TEU is the standard unit used to measure the capacity of container ships and terminals, with one TEU being equivalent to one 20-foot container. This enormous capacity allows huge quantities of goods to be transported at once, contributing to the efficiency and economy of maritime transport.
Ecological impact
The use of shipping containers also has a positive impact on the environment. The standardisation and efficiency of containerised transport means that the amount of waste and CO2 emissions that would otherwise be generated by transporting goods individually is reduced. In addition, modern container ships are designed to minimise their environmental footprint.
Other container news...
Corner casting steel vs aluminum
Every shipping container in the world — all 40 million of them — rests on eight critical components. Corner castings are the load-bearing blocks at each corner of an ISO shipping container, and they are the universal interface between the container and every crane, twistlock, spreader, and chassis on the planet. When you lift a container, stack it nine high on a ship, or lock it to a truck trailer, every ton of force flows through these fittings.
Construction cabin – selection, tips, dimensions and prices
Every construction project – whether a family house, a development project or a reconstruction – starts with the infrastructure. No construction manager, craftsman or investor who needs an on-site office, a changing room for workers or a safe storage for tools can do without a quality construction cell. But navigating the offer is not easy: residential containers, sanitary cells, storage modules, rental, purchase, refurbished pieces… This guide will give you answers to all the essential questions in one place.
Storage container
A storage container is a lockable steel box designed for the safe and dry storage of materials, tools, goods or equipment. Originally created as a shipping container for maritime transport, its durability and versatility have found their way onto construction sites, corporate premises and private land.
Shipping container 12m (40 ft)
A 12m shipping container is an investment that, if properly selected and cared for, will pay off in decades of trouble-free use. Whether you plan to use it as a warehouse, workshop, garage or the basis for a residential module — the key is careful selection of the condition, a thorough inspection before purchase and high-quality preparation of the base for placement. Take the time to compare offers, check the seller’s references and do not hesitate to personally inspect the container before buying. A properly selected 40-foot container will serve you reliably for many years.