2020s: The Era of Extended Shipping Distances

Last year, trade conducted via sea reached a total of 68 trillion ton-miles, with the average distance covered per ton of cargo recorded at 5,262 nautical miles. This indicates a 10% increase compared to the beginning of the decade.

Tim Smith, Director of Maritime Strategies International, noted in an assessment earlier in 2026, ‘Increased demand has directly reflected in profits. The 2020s have been a generally profitable yet equally volatile period for shipowners.’ Read more at Splash247.com.