Why is maritime transport still essential for exporting SMEs?

With globalization intensifying, French SMEs must contend with faster trade, unstable costs, and constant pressure on their logistics. As a result, they must choose between speed, reliability, and tight budgets to remain competitive internationally.

In this context, maritime transport—long seen as slow or inflexible—is making a comeback. Why? Because it allows for the pooling of volumes, reduces costs per kilo, and provides access to an impressive global network.

Better still, ports are modernizing, flows are being digitized, and tracking is becoming more sophisticated. In short, maritime transport is becoming more agile and attractive.

For exporting SMEs, it is a strategic lever: it enables international flows to be structured in a sustainable, secure, and more economical way. And with the rising cost of air freight, it represents a serious alternative that should not be overlooked.

A strategic lever for internationally oriented SMEs

With globalization accelerating, trade is becoming more intense, regulations more complex, and pressure on logistics costs… constant. For French SMEs, which do not always have dedicated international teams, the challenge is clear: structuring their export flows without losing efficiency or blowing the budget.

In this context, maritime transport stands out as a real opportunity.

Why? Because it allows large volumes to be managed over long distances, at a much lower cost per kilo than air freight. And with its global reach, it is particularly attractive for destinations outside the EU, such as Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

But that’s not all. In recent years, maritime transport has evolved considerably: real-time tracking, digitized documents, automated processes… The result? Fewer surprises, greater reliability, and less administrative burden—everything that SMEs looking for stability without getting lost in paperwork love.

Last but not least: sustainability. By consolidating shipments, maritime transport limits unnecessary journeys and helps reduce carbon footprints. This is a real plus in an era where green logistics is becoming a major issue.

In short, for SMEs that want to export far and wide without breaking the bank, maritime transport is much more than a plan B. It’s a strategy in its own right.

A powerful, economical, and sustainable logistics solution

It’s simple: today, more than 80% of goods transported around the world travel by sea freight. And that’s no coincidence. When it comes to shipping large volumes internationally, it’s hard to find a more efficient method. Maritime transport allows you to transport large quantities over long distances at a much lower cost than air transport. The result is much more cost-effective logistics, especially for regular flows or low value-added products.

But that’s not all. Thanks to its vast network of ports connected all over the world, this mode of transport opens the door to often complex or remote markets—Africa, Asia, Latin America, etc. These are all strategic destinations for companies that want to expand beyond the EU and broaden their horizons.

In terms of reliability, things have also changed significantly. Between document digitization, real-time tracking, and route optimization, maritime transport has modernized at a rapid pace. And for SMEs, which don’t want to deal with unexpected events or surprise additional costs, this is a real plus.

Finally, a compelling argument in a world that is increasingly sensitive to environmental impact: maritime transport has a lower carbon footprint than its long-distance equivalents. It’s a solution that also ticks the CSR box, without sacrificing performance.

French SMEs have everything to gain

In recent years, French SMEs have clearly shifted their focus to international markets. In 2023, more than 70% of them already reported export activity, with a strong ambition to seek out new markets outside the EU. But international development requires reliable, flexible, and affordable logistics solutions.

This is where maritime transport comes into its own.

Thanks to its ability to handle large volumes while keeping logistics costs under control, it allows SMEs to envisage gradual growth—without being caught out by price volatility or complex customs procedures.

Another often underestimated advantage is the regularity of flows. Between standardized containers, well-established hubs, and regular shipping lines, everything is designed to ensure true continuity in trade. The result? Fewer surprises, more stable delivery times, and more secure margins.

Finally, maritime transport is also a real passport to distant or complex markets—Africa, the Middle East, South America… all areas where other modes of transport sometimes struggle to keep up. For exporting SMEs, it is a valuable competitive lever, combining development and control of logistical risks.

Pitfalls to avoid when securing your operations

Sea freight is clearly a strategic option for large-scale exports. But beware: for it to work, you need to plan ahead. Because behind its obvious advantages, this mode of transport also hides a few subtleties that can quickly become costly if overlooked.

The first thing to watch out for is delivery times. Unlike air freight, we’re talking weeks here, not days. And these times vary considerably depending on the destination, stopovers, and even the season. The result? If you don’t plan early enough, you may find yourself with empty shelves, unhappy customers… or even penalties.

Then there’s customs—often the crux of the matter. Each country has its own rules, paperwork to provide, tariff codes to comply with… In short, it’s a real maze. Without the right support, you can quickly fall into the trap of incorrect declarations, delays, or unexpected costs.

And that’s not all: beyond the simple cost of transport, there are a host of additional costs to consider. Handling, parking, dock dues, temporary storage… All these elements, when added up, can seriously increase the bill if they are not budgeted for from the outset.

The moral of the story? To get the most out of maritime transport, there’s no room for improvisation. You need to plan, structure, and ideally seek professional guidance. This is the only way to avoid unpleasant surprises and make maritime transport a real growth driver—not a logistical headache.

Making maritime transport a real driver of growth

Long perceived as a simple alternative to air freight, maritime transport is in fact much more than that. It is a strategic asset for any company that wants to build a solid, effective, and sustainable export policy.

Why? Because it allows you to streamline flows, keep costs under control, and ensure secure shipments. In other words, everything you need to expand internationally without losing control.

But beware: the key to success is not just shipping containers. What makes all the difference is support. Real support. Support that understands the ins and outs of the business, has a thorough knowledge of customs formalities, and knows how to manage operations proactively.

With an experienced partner at your side, maritime transport does more than just reduce your logistics costs. It becomes a competitive advantage in its own right. A real performance booster for exports.

FAQs

1. Can small quantities be shipped by sea?

Yes, via less than container load (LCL) shipping, which is ideal for SMEs.

2. Is it really cheaper than air freight?

Yes, especially for medium to high volumes.

3. How long does sea freight take?

On average, 2 to 6 weeks depending on the destination.

4. What pitfalls should be avoided?

Poorly anticipated delivery times, forgotten additional costs, customs errors.

5. How do you choose the right freight forwarder?

Choose an expert in the target areas with reliable tracking.