Clarksons research data shows that in 2017, the operating cost (OPEX) of the global cargo fleet exceeded $100 billion for the first time, higher than $98 billion in 2016. In 2008, the operating cost of the global cargo fleet was $83 billion.

Clarksons pointed out that crew wages still account for the largest cost of all costs in the fleet operating costs, reaching $43 billion. These funds are allocated to 1.4 million crew members. Management expenses account for the second largest proportion of crew operating costs, totaling $9.2 billion, followed by $7.7 billion in repair costs and $5 billion in storage and lubrication costs. In addition, there are $4.6 billion in costs for insurance costs, $3.4 billion in costs for ship protection and compensation (P&I), and $3.2 billion in costs for fixed supplies. At the same time, general cargo costs cost $4.3 billion and other unit costs cost $6.9 billion.

In the past few years, as losses in offshore business have continued to spread from the offshore industry to the container shipping industry, bulk shipping and oil shipping industries, shipping companies are under considerable pressure to remain competitive and reduce costs.

Clarksons pointed out that in order to make the shipping industry more intelligent, collect and use "big data", technology and automation are continuing to attract industry investment. The cost of this area (not taking into account the cost of ship operation) is obviously also a considerable target. Therefore, the shipping industry will need new technologies, skills and new accounting methods.

• Previous：Greater Mekong Subregion countries accelerate transport and trade facilitation
• Next：Djibouti Doraleh Multi-Purpose Port, built by China Construction, officially opened