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UNCTAD Press conference: Review of Maritime Transport - 24 September 2025
UNCTAD / WORLD MARITIME TRANSPORT 2025
24 September 2025
Global shipping, moving over 80% of the world’s merchandise trade, is entering a period of fragile growth, rising costs and mounting uncertainty, according to The Review of Maritime Transport 2025: Staying the course in turbulent waters, released by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) on 24 September.
After firm growth last year, seaborne trade is expected to stall in 2025, with volumes barely rising (+0.5%). Long-distance rerouting caused by geopolitical tensions kept ships busier last year with a record of nearly 6% growth in ton-miles.
“The transitions ahead – to zero carbon, to digital systems, to new trade routes – must be just transitions,” said UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan. “They must empower, not exclude. They must build resilience, not deepen vulnerability.”
Political tensions, new tariffs, shifting trading patterns and reconfigured shipping lanes are reshaping the geography of maritime trade.
The United States of America and several trading partners have announced policy measures, including new tariffs and port fees in the United States for certain foreign-built or foreign-operated vessels. These measures may further affect shipping costs and routes.
The result is more rerouting, skipped port calls, longer journeys and ultimately increased costs. Energy shipping is also in transition: Coal and oil volumes are under pressure from decarbonization efforts, while gas trade continues to expand.
Critical minerals — essential for batteries, renewable energy and the digital economy as a whole — are becoming a new source of tension in global trade, with competition to secure supplies and add value domestically. Maritime logistics are key for developing countries in seizing critical minerals opportunities.
Full report: http://unctad.org/rmt2025
Production Date: 24 September 2025
Creator: UNCTAD / UNTV CH
Subject Topical: Trade, development, maritime transport, sustainable development
Geographic Subject: GLOBAL
Website: http://unctad.org/rmt2025
DESCRIPTION
STORY: UNCTAD / WORLD MARITIME TRANSPORT 2025
TRT:
SOURCE: UNCTAD / UNTV CH
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH / NATS
DATELINE: 24 SEPTEMBER 2025, GENEVA, SWITZERLAND
WEBSITE: http://unctad.org/rmt2025
SHOTLIST
1. Wide shot, Palais des Nations
2. Various shots, briefing room
3. SOUNDBITE (English) Regina Asariotis, Chief, Trade Logistics Branch (UNCTAD):
"We know the global environment has become more complex. We know geopolitical tensions are affecting the Red Sea and have forced costly rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope. Risks remain, for example, in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil trade. New tariffs are disrupting established trade flows, freight rates are increasingly high and volatile, and delay and disruption are becoming the norm. And these challenges drive up costs. Small island developing states, least developed countries, and net food-importing nations are the most vulnerable, as higher freight costs quickly translate into more expensive imports and food insecurity."
4. Wide shot, briefing room
5. SOUNDBITE (English) Regina Asariotis, Chief, Trade Logistics Branch (UNCTAD):
"Seaborne trade has grown in 2024 by 2.2%. At the same time, rerouting has meant longer shipping routes, with ton-miles increasing by about 6%. This, in turn, has led to higher transport costs, delays, and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as a reshuffling of shipping networks affecting ports, including in Africa. For 2025, the big picture is heightened uncertainty and volatility, with growth forecast to slow to only half a percent."
6. Wide shot, briefing room
7. SOUNDBITE (English) Regina Asariotis, Chief, Trade Logistics Branch (UNCTAD):
"Digital solutions like maritime single windows and port community systems are proving essential for port efficiency and for smoother trade. But greater reliance on digital systems and solutions across the industry has also heightened cyber risks and vulnerabilities, which need to be addressed. Gender inclusiveness in ports is improving, with nearly 40% of managerial positions held by women, but women remain underrepresented in operational jobs, where automation may create new opportunities. Maritime workforce development and training will be vital for resilience. Building more consistent implementation and enforcement of rules to protect seafarers’ rights by flag states, ports, and the industry will be key to turning the tide on the growing shortage of seafarers."
8. Wide shot, briefing room
9. SOUNDBITE (English) Regina Asariotis, Chief, Trade Logistics Branch (UNCTAD):
"A major development is the IMO net zero framework, which will be considered for formal adoption this October. It would introduce a global fuel standard, a carbon pricing mechanism, and a net zero fund to support research, technology, infrastructure, and just transition initiatives, especially in small island developing states and least developed countries. And if adopted, revenues from this fund could help developing countries decarbonize."
10. Wide shot, briefing room
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