Sea freight transportation is a fundamental pillar of international trade, responsible for moving over 80% of global goods by volume. It involves the shipment of cargo via large ocean-going vessels across international waters, connecting exporters and importers around the world. This mode of transport is especially suited for bulky, heavy, or high-volume shipments that would be too costly or impractical to send by air. Typical cargo includes raw materials such as coal, oil, and agricultural products, as well as manufactured goods, machinery, electronics, and vehicles.

The process of sea freight begins with the coordination between the shipper (the party sending the goods), the freight forwarder (a logistics expert who manages the transportation process), and the carrier (the shipping company that operates the vessel). Goods are usually packed into containers—either Full Container Load (FCL), where one shipper occupies an entire container, or Less than Container Load (LCL), where goods from multiple shippers are consolidated into one container. These containers are loaded onto container ships at ports of origin and transported across seas to ports of destination.

Sea freight requires several essential documents to ensure smooth transit and legal compliance. The most important of these is the Bill of Lading, which serves as both a receipt of shipment and a contract between the shipper and carrier. Other key documents include the commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and various customs declarations.

Although sea freight is slower than air transport, with transit times ranging from several days to weeks depending on the route, it remains a preferred choice for its cost-effectiveness, especially when transporting large volumes. It is also relatively energy-efficient per ton of cargo, making it an environmentally favorable option for global shipping. However, it is not without challenges—port congestion, customs delays, and adverse weather conditions can affect scheduling and delivery times.

In summary, sea freight transportation is an essential and efficient method of moving goods worldwide. Its vast network of shipping routes and ports, combined with standardized containerization and well-established logistics support, make it indispensable to the functioning of the global supply chain.