Sea Freight Challenges in 2025, and How to Overcome Them

Posted on Jun 17, 2025 at 10:06 PM

In an era of global transportation and rising demands for flexible, reliable, and market-responsive sea freight options, importers and exporters face tough decisions and multiple challenges: 

Should we use sea freight despite its complexities? Or should we opt for faster air freight despite its high cost? 

This article is for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of sea freight—we'll deconstruct the terminology, reveal the mechanisms of transportation, and review the most pressing challenges of 2025 and how to address them intelligently and flexibly.

What Is Sea Freight?

Sea freight is a type of freight used to transport goods across seas and oceans on large vessels, where shippers rely on loading their shipments into containers designed to transport large bulk quantities of goods or raw materials.

Sea freight patterns are divided into several main types, including:

1. FCL: Full Container Load – A full container is used for a single shipment.
2. LCL: Less than Container Load – Small shipments that share a container with other shipments.
3. RORO: Roll-on/Roll-off – For vehicles and oversized equipment that are loaded and unloaded directly.
4. Dry Bulk: Bulk shipments such as grain, coal, and iron ore.

Sea freight represents the backbone of international trade, with goods departing from international shipping hubs to serve global markets across all continents. Thanks to its efficiency in handling large loads and its lower cost compared to air freight, this freight solution is highly affordable, especially for medium and large companies that handle bulky products or commodities.

Beyond its affordability, sea freight services are part of a global logistics network that includes comprehensive transportation solutions such as containerized shipments, consolidation methods, and access to major ports and terminals. What's more, many shipping lines, including MSC and other carriers, offer tailored solutions and real-time tracking services that allow businesses to book shipments instantly through online platforms like Freightos. These platforms provide accurate quotes, compare rates, and present various freight configurations—FCL, LCL, or even dry bulk—depending on the cargo classification, origin, and destination.

Meanwhile, sea freight entails transporting goods by ship across global maritime routes and waters, often in large quantities. The mode is preferred for its high capacity, cost efficiency, and adaptability, making it ideal for businesses transporting commodities, household goods, and even large-scale equipment. It offers services—such as customs brokerage, road or rail transit support, and intermodal transportation—which are essential for creating a seamless end-to-end shipping experience.

How Does Sea Freight Work?

The sea freight process begins when the exporting company contacts a specialized freight forwarder, who takes over the complete coordination of the shipment. At this stage, the shipment classification, its weight, packaging method, and the best sea carrier are determined based on the voyage schedule and shipping cost, then a suitable vessel is booked, and the loading port and shipping date are precisely determined.

After booking, the goods are transported to the port of loading, often packed in standard containers for ease of handling. But at the port, the containers undergo initial inspections and are registered in the shipping manifest, which they are then stowed onto the ship using dedicated cranes according to a precise stowage plan to ensure safety during the sea voyage.

Next, the ship begins sailing across the seas and oceans toward the destination port, and while the journey can take several days or weeks, depending on the distance, the shipment can be tracked using continuous tracking systems that allow, in turn, for precise location monitoring and continuous updates of the expected arrival times.

Upon arrival, the shipment goes through the import clearance stage, where documents such as the bill of lading and commercial invoice are verified and, if necessary, subjected to a customs inspection, after which the containers are delivered directly to the customer or transported by land or air to the final destination using an intermodal logistics system if required.



Common Challenges in Sea Freight and How to Overcome Them.

As you might expect, sea freight involves various challenges that demand effective solutions, and shipping management training courses in London can help tackle many of them. So let's roll:

Oversized Cargo

Oversized shipments require special equipment, such as containers with unconventional dimensions, heavy cranes, and precise stowage plans. 

Solution: Work with forwarders experienced in project cargo shipments and plan logistics early to avoid costly errors.

Perishable Goods

No surprise, goods such as food or pharmaceuticals require refrigerated containers equipped with temperature and humidity control technology, in addition to instant tracking to monitor conditions during the journey. 

Solution: Use smart systems such as IoT within the container to ensure quality at all times.

High-Value Items

Luxury or electronic products require maximum protection, such as tamper-proof seals, accurate tracking via GPS devices, and customized insurance coverage. 

Solution: Implement an integrated risk management strategy that incorporates physical and digital security.  

Port Congestion & Documentation

Of course, congestion at ports can lead to delayed unloading and accumulated costs, especially if there are errors in documents or delays in tracking. 

Solution: Adopt cloud-based cargo reservation platforms and integrate digital documentation systems.

Staffing Shortage in Stevedoring Operations

Undoubtedly, stevedoring operations require trained personnel, and any defect could lead to cargo damage or delayed delivery. 

Solution: Contract with reputable port handling contractors and ensure a well-trained stewardship team.

Sustainability & Environment

Shipping has become the subject of environmental criticism due to emissions and marine pollution. 

Solution: Use hybrid ships and clean energy technologies. Choose recyclable packaging. Adopt AI-based route planning to reduce distances and emissions.

How to Make the Right Decision?

In 2025, maritime transport is no longer just a routine means of transporting goods—it has become a complex equation that requires a deep understanding of cost, quality, time, and flexibility. Sea freight remains a strategic choice for those seeking a balance between efficiency and affordability, but it is not a safe option unless you are prepared to proactively address its challenges within the current industry landscape.

Therefore, the key move is not just choosing the transport modality, but also choosing the right partners, updating your digital tools, and building a practical understanding of each specific stage of the supply chain. Whether you're shipping across an ocean or managing deliveries in the world's busiest trade corridors, success depends on your ability to handle a wide range of logistical variables.

Are you ready to modernize your shipping method, whether you're in the USA or anywhere else in the world? Begin by evaluating your shipment, requesting competitive proposals from multiple providers, and integrating cutting-edge technology at every step. The future belongs to those who plan, start today, and lead the way.