Additionally, they have an impact on vessel sizes and types, ports of call, and travel distances.

Pre-
existing digitalization and environmental sustainability trends have been accelerated by the
pandemic.Shipping and ports can continue to operate while minimizing physical contact thanks to
technological advancements.Online commerce has also grown thanks to new technologies, which has
changed how consumers shop and spend their money.The demand for digitally enabled, value-added
distribution and warehousing facilities has increased as online commerce has grown.All of these changes
are expected to open up new business opportunities for shipping, ports, and other maritime supply
chain players.In addition, technology will play a crucial role in improving environmental
sustainability.Many governments aim to capitalize on the synergies between technology, environmental
protection, efficiency, and resilience when developing their post-pandemic plans and stimulus
packages.Businesses and governments are aware that in order to better adapt to the world after the
pandemic and rebuild, it is necessary to create new business opportunities and add value to the
economy, society, and environment—not least for maritime transportation.The global commercial
shipping fleet grew by 3% in 2020, reaching 99,800 ships of 100 gross tons or more. However, supply is
not keeping up with demand.Table 1 shows that capacity reached 2,13 billion dead weight tons (dwt) by
January 2021.