Water Freight Transport in Australia - Industry Market Research Report

Staying Afloat: Elevated Global Shipping Freight Prices Have Buoyed Industry Revenue

The Water Freight Transport industry represents a key link between Australia and the global economy. Most of Australia's international trade volumes are transported by sea freight. Water freight transporters use domestic and international shipping routes to import and export goods through Australian waters. Bulk container ships transport large amounts of commodities, while container ships transport non-bulk goods. High water freight rates due to supply chain disruptions caused revenue to spike in 2021-22. Overall, Industry-wide revenue has been growing at an annualised 4.8% over the past five years and is expected to total $3.0 billion in 2022-23, when revenue falls by an estimated 5.1% as freight rates begin to contract. Industry players operate vessels that transport freight by water. Primary activities include international sea freight transport services between domestic and international ports, coastal sea freight transport services between domestic ports, freight ferry services and harbour freight transport services. Other activities include river freight transport services, ship freight management services (operating ships on behalf of owners) and inland water freight transport services. This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.