The shipping market - France

The world shipping market has grown significantly, driven by globalization and the demand for goods transport, with sea trade accounting for 90% of world trade by volume and 80% by value. In 2020, the production value of the French maritime economy will amount to 91.6 billion euros, with the transport and logistics segments accounting for a third of this value. However, the French market is facing difficulties, with a 20% drop in the volume of incoming goods.

The top 10 shipping lines account for 84.6% of the world's container fleet capacity, indicating a highly concentrated market. Despite this, the French shipbuilding sector is expanding, with a growing number of establishments and employees. As far as environmental impact is concerned, the maritime sector contributes almost 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with a potential of 17% by 2050 if current trends continue and efforts to combat this phenomenon are slow.the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) target of reducing emissions by 40% by 2030. In addition, the race for gigantic ships continues, leading to overcapacity and operational complications, such as the Ever Given blockade of the Suez Canal in 2021.

The potential opening of a new Arctic route due to climate change could also reshape shipping routes in the future.

Evolving trends in the French shipping market

The French shipping market, an integral part of world trade, is undergoing changes influenced by a variety of economic, environmental and geopolitical forces. Looking at the current state and future trends of this market, it becomes clear that it is both pushed and challenged by the tides of globalization and competition. A substantial proportion of world trade, in terms of both volume and value, takes place on the high seas. France occupies a unique position thanks to its vast Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and a cluster of major metropolitan ports such as Marseille, Le Havre, Dunkirk and others. Historically, these ports have concentrated between 80 and 90% of national traffic, testifying to France's central role in maritime trade.

Despite its importance, France's shipping sector has encountered obstacles, including a decline in traffic at all its ports. This dip in activity is reflected in various market segments, with bulk carriers, container ships and tankers forming an integral part of the trade, but not immune to global market fluctuations. However, the resilience of the French market is evident in its production value, which for the maritime economy, transport and logistics account for around 30 billion of this economic pie.

What's more, some 70-75% of French imports are linked to shipping, underlining the sector's considerable contribution to the country's supply chain logistics. As far as passenger transport is concerned, particularly cruises, we have seen striking growth over the last ten years, with the number of cruise passengers doubling from around two million to over four million. Nevertheless, the overall number of maritime passengers has fallen by around 5-6%, influenced by factors ranging from competition with air transport to geopolitical tensions and consumer finances.

If we look at the composition of goods trade, we see that a diverse range of products pass through French ports, with certain sites such as Le Havre concentrating almost half of the country's container traffic. But it's not just about transporting goods; the structure of the fleet itself has a major impact. On the world market, French ships float under a variety of flags, while many others, controlled by national interests, fly international flags. This complex network of ownership and registration reflects broader strategies employed by shipowners worldwide.

In terms of supply-side dynamics, the French maritime sector is experiencing strong growth. The shipping industry is a vast, interwoven global network, dominated by a few heavyweights who steer the flow of goods and passengers across the world's oceans. These titans of commerce assert their presence not only through the volume of operations they manage, but also through the strategic innovation and services they offer.

Below, we present some of these influential players, each of whom brings unique strengths and capabilities to the high seas.

• Maersk Line Hailing from Denmark, Maersk Line is not only a shipping giant, but also an industry visionary. With a fleet of 738 vessels, it has cultivated an extensive global presence. In addition to its size, Maersk is known for its integrated logistics services, which go beyond simple container transport to offer complete supply chain management through the use of integrated logistics solutions.aP Moller Terminal, a Maersk subsidiary, reflects its strategic investment in the control of port operations, asserting a firm grip on the supply chain from start to finish.
• Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Operating from Italy and Switzerland, MSC is a tour de force in the world of container shipping, with 617 vessels to its credit. As one of the leaders in global container shipping, MSC has actively competed in the market by optimizing its service offerings, securing a dominant position among the most revered in the industry.
• CMA CGM Group The tricolore is admirably represented by the CMA CGM Group, the world's fourth largest container shipping operator. With a fleet of 539 vessels, it has made a name for itself with its progressive digital offerings aimed at improving operational performance and customer satisfaction. Recognizing the global trend towards end-to-end service, CMA-CGM has diversified, extending its services to the entire supply chain, including port handling services and rail and river shuttles, reflecting an industry-wide shift from traditional shipping to complete logistics solutions.
• COSCO Group China's COSCO Group boasts 490 vessels, contributing to the country's dominant presence in maritime trade. As China continues to invest in global trade routes and infrastructure, such as the ambitious "New Silk Road", COSCO's role as a central player in consolidating China's dominance in maritime logistics cannot be underestimated.
• Hapag-Lloyd Of German origin, Hapag-Lloyd has a fleet of 261 vessels. Like its European competitors, Hapag-Lloyd focuses on reliability and quality of service in an ever-competitive market, striving to remain a preferred partner of shipping lines.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 19/11/2021

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• World seaborne trade volume
• Distribution of international maritime trade by region
• Ranking of the largest container ports according to throughput
• Total volume of goods entering and leaving the major seaports (GPM) and Calais
• Breakdown of industry segments by value share in the maritime economy
• Port activities by type of packaging
• Increase in the volume of goods exchanged in French ports
• World economic growth prospects
• Estimated containerized cargo flows on major trade routes
• Evolution of the number of establishments and employees in the construction of ships and floating structures
• Ranking of the 10 largest shipowners in the world
• Ranking of the 10 largest ship-owning countries in the world fleet
• The main flags of convenience in the world as a share of world tonnage (dwt)
• Evolution of the Baltic Exchange Dry index
• Evolution of the price index for maritime transport of goods
• Evolution of the merchant fleet of more than 100 UMS (gross tonnage) under French flag
• Evolution of the passenger fleet of more than 100 UMS under French flag
• Distribution of the maritime transport fleet under the French flag, by type of vessel
• Distribution of the maritime transport fleet under French flag, by register of registration
• Traffic of the main French ports in mainland France