Η συμβολή της θαλάσσιας μεταφοράς και των λιμένων στην αποδοτικότητα της παγκόσμιας εφοδιαστικής αλυσίδας
The contribution of maritime transport and ports to the efficiency of the global supply chain
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Keywords
Εφοδιαστική αλυσίδα ; Θαλάσσια μεταφορά ; Λιμένες ; Αποδοτικότητα ; Παγκόσμιο εμπόριο ; Εμπορευματοκιβωτιοποίηση ; Τερματικοί σταθμοί ; ΚόμβοιAbstract
The expansion of international trade and geographical dispersion of production have resulted in increasingly complex global supply chains that depend heavily on efficient transport and ports constitute the primary mechanisms for the physical movement of goods and the spatial integration of markets. This study investigates their role in shaping the efficiency of global logistics considering technological, operational and geographical determinants.
The analysis covers the structure and contemporary requirements of supply chains, shipping market dynamics, vessel categories and the impact of containerization on transport standardization and speed. Ports are examined as critical nodes of transshipment and distribution with emphasis on infrastructure, governance models and hinterland connectivity. The geographical dimension of maritime transport is addressed through major sea routes and strategic chokepoints that concentrate a substantial share of global trade flows.
The empirical component focuses on two representative cases the Port of Rotterdam illustrating high operational efficiency and technological advancement and the Suez Canal, a key geostrategic passage influencing global shipping patterns. The findings suggest that the efficiency of international supply chains depends on the interaction between transport capacity, infrastructure quality and the spatial positioning of major nodes. Reliable maritime transport and port operations emerge as essential conditions for the stability and resilience of the global economy.