Ocean transport is one of the most important modes of transport in international commodity exchange, and the volume of cargo transport accounts for more than 80% of the total international cargo transport volume. Ocean transport is carried out with the help of natural waterways, is not restricted by roads and tracks, and has strong passing capacity. With the development of the international shipping industry, modern shipbuilding technology has become increasingly sophisticated, and ships are becoming larger and larger, with large carrying capacity, long service life, long transportation mileage, and low unit transportation cost, which provides favorable conditions for the transportation of low-value bulk goods. However, ocean transport is slow, easily affected by natural conditions and climate, and has greater risks.
Ocean transport is mainly divided into two categories: liner transport and charter transport. Liner transport refers to a ship operation method in which a shipping company regularly provides cargo transportation services to a large number of non-specific cargo owners between several fixed ports of call on a specific sea route according to a pre-established schedule, and charges freight at a pre-announced rate or an agreed rate. Liner transport has the characteristics of “four fixed and one responsible”, that is, the route, port of call, ship schedule, and freight rate are fixed, and the shipping company carrying the cargo is responsible for loading and unloading the cargo. Due to the characteristics of “four fixed”, the time is guaranteed, the freight rate is fixed, and the procedures are simple, which provides convenience for the trading parties to negotiate prices and shipping conditions. It is mostly used for the transportation of general sundries and trade goods that are less than a whole ship. Since the most frequently traded goods in cross-border e-commerce are still scattered sundries, liner shipping is generally used as the main mode of transportation. Chartering refers to a way in which the charterer leases a ship from the shipowner for the transportation of goods, which is usually suitable for the transportation of bulk goods. The relevant routes and ports, types of transported goods, and sailing time are all confirmed by the shipowner in accordance with the requirements of the lessee. The rights and obligations between the charterer and the lessor shall be subject to the charter contract signed by both parties.