Statistics is an inherent part of UNCTAD. Being the United Nations' focal point for the integrated treatment of trade and development and the interrelated issues in the areas of finance, technology, investment and sustainable development, UNCTAD compiles, validates and processes a wide range of data collected from national and international sources. Most of the time series cover long periods, with some dating back to 1948, for almost all economies of the world.
Read more

 

(millions of dead weight tons - dwt) 

 

Despite an economic slow down the world fleet is on the rise with 10 per cent growth over the year (as of January 2012). The total tonnage reached 1,534 million dwt mark with 104,305 seagoing commercial ships in service.

 

Dry bulk carriers saw the largest growth of tonnage, 17 per cent, acquiring a 40.6 per cent share of the world total.  This is followed by oil tankers, which grew by 6.9 per cent and now account for 33.1 per cent of the world fleet.   The third most important vessel type is container ships with a share of 12.9 per cent of the world total; their tonnage grew by 7.7 per cent during 2011.

 

The general cargo fleet continued its relative decline, being the only major vessel type with a smaller tonnage compared to previous year.