More than 80% of world merchandise trade by volume is transported by sea. The networks carrying an estimated $14 trillion worth of containerised goods are being tested by geopolitical disruption, climate pressures and changing trade policies. A new whitepaper published by DP World’s Marine Services business to mark World Maritime Day 2026, examines how these forces are reshaping global cargo flows, and why more connected, adaptable trade corridors are becoming critical to keeping goods moving.
As established shipping routes come under increasing pressure, businesses need greater choice in how cargo moves between markets. These shifts are creating a growing role for feeder, coastal and shortsea shipping solutions in connecting emerging production centres and regional ports to major international trade lanes. Integrated with inland rail, road and river networks, these services can give businesses more gateways and alternative routes when established corridors are disrupted.
In fact, research suggests that global trade is being reconfigured rather than reversed. DP World’s 2026 Global Trade Observatory found that 94% of more than 3,500 supply chain and logistics executives expect trade growth in 2026 to match or exceed 2025 levels.
Ganesh Raj, Global COO, Marine Services, DP World, said: “With more than 80% of world merchandise trade by volume transported by sea, agility and the ability to adapt are becoming essential to business confidence and growth. A key part of this is optimising what we call ‘Connected Trade Corridors’, building more choice and adaptability into the system by linking ports, marine services and inland logistics so cargo has alternative routes when conditions shift. The first generation of global trade connected markets. The next must connect those markets through smarter, more adaptable networks."
The whitepaper, ‘Navigating the Future of Maritime Trade’, finds that disruption is no longer episodic. Tariffs and redistribution of manufacturing are contributing to structural shifts in how cargo moves around the world. Manufacturing patterns are also moving faster than ever, - and becoming more geographically dispersed with India, Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa taking larger roles in global production and creating new regional shipping patterns.
The ripple effect is the resulting growth in South–South trade: merchandise exports between developing economies increased nearly 20-fold from approximately $500 billion in 1995 to $8.8 trillion in 2025. Today, more than half of developing-country exports are destined for other developing markets.
Giving businesses more gateways and transport options can help supply chains respond more effectively as trade patterns and operating conditions change. This type of regional and global connectivity is already visible across DP World’s Marine Services network, which connects more than 200 ports across Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas, supported by a fleet of more than 500 vessels.
The next generation of global maritime trade will be defined not only by established routes, but increasingly by the strength, agility and adaptability of networks linking regional and global Connected Trade Corridors.
Robban Assafina is now on WhatsApp channel. Click Here
