The function of shipping lines in maritime

The function of shipping lines in maritime involves various shipping activities, including cargo handling, documentation, cargo consolidation, container stowage planning, and risk management. Shippers from across the globe popularly book shipping lines or companies to ship all types of cargo across international borders. Let us learn more about the function of shipping lines in detail. 

What is a shipping line? 

A shipping line, commonly known as a shipping company, is a maritime organisation that specialises in the international transportation of goods on international waters loaded on various containerships. Shipping lines own and operate their ships on selective shipping routes to transport goods and passengers between ports. Through ownership and operations of ships to various destinations, shipping lines generate their revenue in maritime. Shipping lines align with maritime laws to ensure safe shipping and adherence to green shipping standards for conforming to the EEXI and CII regulations. Shipping lines can be large or small and have unlimited or limited maritime resources accordingly.  

All domestic and commercial shipping takes place using one of the many shipping lines. Different freight forwarders and 3PL service providers build their networks with various shipping lines to offer shipping solutions to their clients. Shipping lines are often known to own different types of shipping containers in all sizes. Container leasing is one of the many services offered by shipping lines. Let us learn about the various other functions of shipping lines.  

Role of shipping lines in maritime

The shipping lines are responsible for performing various activities in the maritime industry. Let us review the functions of shipping lines in maritime.  

1. Cargo handling- All cargo handling operations, including container gate in, containerisation, documentation, customs clearances, and transportation of goods, are carried out by the shipping lines booked for the cargo transport. Shipping lines have dedicated maritime resources to handle all shipping containers carrying hazardous, fragile, or perishable goods. 

2. Routing and scheduling- Depending on the number of port stops, shipping companies are responsible for scheduling vessel turnaround and optimising navigable routes. Keeping in mind the weather forecasts, uncertain occurrences, or any geopolitical events in shipping that might impact trade routes, shipping schedules are devised to officiate cost-effective shipping. 

3. Cargo consolidation- Less than container load (LCL) shipments are meant to be shipped along with LCL shipments. Shipping lines are responsible for cargo consolidation and deconsolidation based on destination and desirable shipping schedules. 

4. Container stowage- Based on the type of container, cargo specifications, specialised requirements, and container weight, container stowage planning is done by shipping lines. They often use information regarding the TEU and FEU capacity to calculate the available space on the containership. Freight forwarders and other logistics service providers collaborate with shipping lines to book container spaces on the ship. Container stowage plans are highly essential for carrying out safe trade. With the help of container lashing, cargo containers are secured in their places. 

5. Risk management- Maritime operations involve various risks regarding cybersecurity in maritime, cargo damage, or other ship-related accidents during voyages due to ship collisions or weather-related conditions. Shipping lines ensure that they carry out risk assessments using technological innovations in maritime. It helps in making data-driven decisions to prepare contingency plans for risk management.  

6. Cargo insurance- Shipping lines work to ensure cargo safety during the voyage, but do not disregard the chances of cargo damage during transportation. To prevent financial losses for shippers and consignees, shipping lines offer cargo insurance to allow shippers to protect their cargo against any potential losses. 

7. Environmental sustainability- The International Maritime Organisation with the goal of zero emissions by 2050. Shipping lines are responsible for implementing green shipping practices such as using alternative fuels in ships, optimising routes to reduce the usage of fuels, and utilising green shipping corridors to minimise carbon footprints. 

How do you choose the right shipping line for international shipping? 

Choosing the right shipping line is necessary to carry out hassle-free worldwide shipping.  

• The shipping line must operate on the routes you want to schedule your shipment. 

• Transparency in shipping is another standard upon which shippers must choose a shipping line. It is essential to choose a company that offers real-time updates about the status of your shipments. 

• The budget of shippers for internationally shipping the goods must align with the shipping line. There must be no hidden charges. 

• The shipping line must have transparency in all its policies.  

• Ensure that the safety of your goods is a priority for the shipping line, and it takes necessary measures for risk management. 

• The shipping line must comply with all the sustainability standards the IMO sets for green shipping. 

The function of the shipping line is to handle various sipping activities and ensure the safe operation of ships and the safety of goods to their destination. 

LOTUS Containers is a global shipping container service provider that has partnered with 300+ container depots to offer container leasing services.