meriliikenne

Meriliikenne, or maritime transport, refers to the movement of passengers and cargo by sea and ocean routes. It encompasses international and domestic shipping, port operations, fisheries, ferries, and naval traffic. The core activity is carried out by vessels such as container ships, bulk carriers, oil and LNG tankers, roll-on/roll-off ships, ferries, and various fishing and support vessels. Routine operations depend on maritime infrastructure including ports and terminals, cargo handling facilities, navigational aids, and a network of sea routes. Information technology, notably automatic identification systems (AIS), vessel traffic services, and port community systems, supports safety, efficiency, and planning.

Maritime transport is governed by international law and national regulation. The International Maritime Organization sets safety, security, and environmental standards; key instruments include the SOLAS Convention on ship safety, MARPOL for pollution prevention, and the Ballast Water Management Convention. UNCLOS defines maritime zones, navigation freedoms, and jurisdiction. Port state control ensures compliance by visiting ships.

Economically, meriliikenne underpins global trade, energy supply, and economic development by moving goods such as containers, oil, LNG, coal, and finished products, as well as enabling cruise tourism. It also supports employment across shipping, port, and logistics sectors. Environmental considerations drive measures to reduce emissions, improve fuel efficiency, manage ballast water, and prevent spills.

Current trends involve continued containerization, digitalization, decarbonization, and the exploration of alternative fuels and autonomous shipping. Challenges include port congestion, piracy risk in some regions, climate change impacts on routes, and disparities in regional port infrastructure.