Cargo Shipping Market to Soar to USD 18.47 Billion by 2030, Driven by Containerization & Liner Service Growth

The cargo shipping market represents the backbone of global trade, facilitating the movement of goods across continents through sea routes. It encompasses containerized, bulk, and liquid cargo transport, serving industries such as manufacturing, energy, and consumer goods. Steady growth in global trade volumes, expansion of liner services, and modernization of port infrastructure are driving the market’s continued development worldwide. The cargo shipping market is projected to grow from USD 14.73 billion in 2025 to USD 18.47 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 4.63% during the forecast period. 

Key Trends 

Expanding containerized trade as shippers seek faster, more secure, and standardized cargo movement. 

Growing preference for liner shipping services offering fixed schedules and reliable transit times. 

Rising adoption of Neo-Panamax and fuel-efficient vessels to optimize capacity and port accessibility. 

Increasing focus on intra-regional and short-sea shipping driven by shifting manufacturing bases. 

Market Segmentation 

By Ship Type 

• Bulk Carriers 
• Container Ships 
• Tankers 
• General Cargo Ships 
• Reefer & Specialized Vessels 

By Vessel Size Class 

• Handy / Handymax 
• Panamax 
• Post-Panamax & Neo-Panamax 
• Ultra-Large Container Vessels 

By Cargo Type 

• Dry Bulk 
• Liquid Bulk (Crude, LNG/LPG, Chemicals) 
• Containerized (General & Reefer) 

By Service Type 

• Liner (Scheduled) 
• Tramp (Voyage / Spot) 
• Project / Heavy-Lift / Parcel 

By End-Use Industry 

• Manufacturing 
• Food & Beverages 
• Oil, Gas & Energy 
• Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare 
• Electrical & Electronics 
• Others 

 Dominating Country of the Market 

China maintains its lead position in the global cargo shipping market, both in capacity and trade throughput. As the world’s largest exporter and a manufacturing powerhouse, China processes immense volumes of container traffic through its major ports. Its infrastructure, deep ports, and integrated supply chain networks support massive domestic and international cargo flows. The scale of production, combined with strong domestic demand and port investments, cements China’s dominance in the cargo shipping sector. 

Related Reports from Mordor Intelligence 

Shipping Containers Market: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/shipping-containers-market?utm_source=Industrytoday.co.uk 

Break Bulk Shipping Market: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/break-bulk-shipping-market?utm_source=Industrytoday.co.uk 

Short Sea Shipping Market: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/short-sea-shipping-market?utm_source=Industrytoday.co.uk 

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