Bottlenecks of the world's most important shipping trade routes in the context of international trade

Methods. The study used a comprehensive interdisciplinary and linear approach that combines various methods to establish the relationship between science and practice. In particular, the method of comparative analysis was used to compare the main maritime transport arteries by the following criteria: geographical advantages, throughput, share of world maritime trade; statistical analysis – to process the statistical data obtained by the Baltic Dry Index and the Drewry World Container Index; expert-analytical approach – to identify bottlenecks in the world's shipping trade routes and to determine the level of their impact on international trade. Results. The research article describes the main shipping arteries - the Suez and Panama Canals, the Straits of Malacca and Hormuz, and the Turkish Straits – in terms of their capacity, strategic importance, and bottlenecks. The article determines that the current structure of maritime transportation is facing significant challenges, in particular as a result of military conflicts, wars, natural disasters and climate change. The study demonstrates the close relationship between the transportation network and global trade, and emphasizes the need to diversify routes and adapt logistics chains to new conditions. The author establishes the relationship between changes in the maritime trade network and the growth of the average cargo delivery rate per ton. Particular attention is paid to the assessment of the situation in the maritime transportation market through world indices: namely, there is presented Baltic Dry Index and Drewry World Container Index (WCI), the cumulative percentage change in the Baltic Dry Index for November 2023-June 2024 and the dynamics of the World Container Index for 2024–2025 (April), which is a key indicator of the cost of linear containerized shipping on major global trade routes. Based on the data of the mentioned indices, the dynamics of changes in freight transportation were reflected. This analysis emphasizes the importance of monitoring and managing problems on key sea routes to ensure the stability of global trade. Novelty. The study identifies the bottlenecks of the world's shipping trade routes, which are classified according to their impact on international trade. It was found that the risks of energy supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz have the highest level of impact on international trade. Practical value. The results of the study can be used to develop risk management strategies in maritime transportation, as well as in planning investments in logistics infrastructure.