EXPANSION OF SEA ROUTES: CURRENT ISSUES OF TODAY

Problem Statement and Purpose. The article substantiates the importance of water routes, which are crucial for maritime transport. Maritime transport plays a key role in world trade (80% of world goods are transported by sea). It is established that in today’s conditions the nature of international maritime transport and trade is changing under the influence of a number of trends. It is determined that the Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP) is designed to provide a more consistent approach to maritime issues based on increased coordination between different aspects of policy in this area. The opening of intercontinental sea routes has radically changed world trade relations. Data & Methods. The article uses maps of world maritime transport, showing the density of maritime transport around the world and indicating global maritime routes. They were compiled using data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in partnership with the World Bank under the IMF’s World Maritime Trade Monitoring System. The data cover the period from January 2015 to February 2021 and include five different types of vessels: merchant vessels, fishing vessels, oil and gas vessels, passenger vessels and recreational vessels. Results. Maritime transport delivers all kinds of goods to other countries from different parts of the world, and these shipments are distinguished by safety and speed. In addition, from an economic point of view, it is the most efficient and cheapest way to transport goods. The nature of maritime transport and international maritime transport has been shaped for more than one year under the influence of a number of changes, ranging from containerization and trade liberalization to deregulation, the expansion of the private sector in the transport sector, as well as political and geopolitical shifts. The impact of some of these trends has been particularly strong in recent years. In addition, the evolution of the maritime transport industry has been driven by trends associated with the emergence of new major players in various sectors, primarily in developing countries. Understanding the key factors that determine the comparative or competitive advantages of a particular port or other maritime transport-related business can open up interesting growth opportunities in developing countries.