In 2022 the volume of goods transported by sea is increased slightly by +0.4% compared to the previous year, but the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) expects growth to be stronger in 2023 and equal to +2.4%, an increase that the United Nations body considers will continue slightly more contained in the five-year period next with a +2.1% in 2024 followed by a +2.2% in 2025 and then +2.2% in 2026, +2.1% in 2027 and +2.1% in 2028.

In the latest edition of his publication "Review of maritime transport", UNCTAD specifies that different is the evolution of the volume of container loads transported only sea that in 2022 recorded a decrease of -3.7%, decrease that - according to UNCTAD - will be followed this year by a recovery of the +1.2% which will strengthen in the five-year period 2024-2028 with increases of +3.2%, +3.2%, +3.2%, +3.0% and +2.9% respectively. The UN body noted that the expected growth rate in However, the next few years is significantly lower than growth of about +7% recorded in the previous three decades. In addition, UNCTAD pointed out that the Continuous maritime transport could enter a phase of overcapacity that shipping companies could having to cope with the postponement of the delivery of New ships ordered from shipyards, slow steaming reducing the navigation speed of container ships in service, or the dismantling of ships in their fleets.

However - UNCTAD warned - the main challenge that the Maritime transport sector will have to face is the one determined by the transformation path that shipping will have to undertake for its decarbonization. "Find A balance between environmental sustainability, compliance to regulations and economic needs - underlines the "Review of maritime transport - 2023" - is essential for a the future of prosperous, fair and resilient shipping." UNCTAD pointed out that the costs for the transport transition maritime towards its decarbonization will be significant being Needed - in the opinion of the UN body - additional 2-28 billion dollars per year to decarbonise ships by 2050, and Even more investments will be needed, between 28 and $90 billion a year, to develop Infrastructure to supply shipping with zero fuels carbon emissions. The UNCTAD publication specifies that the Full decarbonisation could lead to an increase from +70% +100% of annual expenditure on the purchase of marine fuels, costs that would mainly penalise small island states developing countries and the least developed countries that are heavily dependent measure from maritime transport.

'Economic incentives, such as levies and contributions paid in report to emissions from maritime transport - noted to in this regard, UNCTAD's Director of Technology and Logistics, Shamika N. Sirimanne - can promote the initiative and the competitiveness of alternative fuels and reduce the cost gap compared to conventional heavy fuels. These funds could also facilitate investment in ports. small island developing states and less than developed, focusing on adapting to changes climate, trade and transport reforms, and on digital connectivity'.

In order to ensure a just transition, UNCTAD calls for a universal regulatory framework applicable to all ships, regardless of their flag, ownership or from their operational area.

On the occasion of the publication of its report, UNCTAD also expressed concern about the ageing of the fleet World Championship which at the beginning of this year had an average age of 22.2 years, two years more than ten years ago. In addition more than half of the world's fleet has more than 15 years.