Changing trade flows set the framework for the sea transport business, and in this chapter
our aim is to understand what
drives change. This is not just a
theoretical exercise. Liner companies
planning new services,
shipowners specializing in
industrial shipping, shipbuilders
planning capacity, and bankers
financing fleet expansion all
have an interest in understanding
what drives trade. Because shipping
is demand-derived, we must
delve into the world economy for
the explanation.