For anyone interested in the growth and development of the world economy, knowledge of the history and mechanisms of shipping provides important insights. The international shipping industry served not only to integrate world markets, it was the international business par excellence and trends that later became visible in many other sectors of economic activity were first highlighted here. This book focuses on the history and economics of the global shipping industry and contains contributions from distinguished maritime historians and economists. The essays share an international, comparative and historical view of shipping. They provide an analysis of the overall development of the industry from the mid-nineteenth century to the present day, covering a wide range of topics, such as technological progress, freight rates, the institutions of shipping, the role of the state, port development and maritime businesses. Developments in the shipping industry have had a profound influence on the dynamics of national and international economies. This book helps to understand the essential role of 'the world's key industry'.
Introduction L. R. Fischer and the progress of Maritime Economic History; D.Williams & L.Scholl Shipping and Staple Economies in the Periphery; C.K.Harley The Progress of the Steamship in the 19th Century; D.M.Williams & J.Armstrong The Advantages of Water Carriage; Y.Kaukianen Building the Vital Networks of Trade; E.Lange, E.Ekperg & E.Merok The Development of Commercial Infrastructures for World Shipping; G.Boyce Government and British Shipping in the Later 20th Century; S.Palmer Historical Evolution of the Ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam; S.Vanfraechem Institutional Path-dependence and Port Regulation; M.Tull & J.Reveley China's Seaport Development 1978-2002; A.N.G.Koi Yu & T.Ka-chai Hull's Maritime Business Sector c. 1860-1914; M.Barnard & D.Starkey Risks and Rewards - the Business of Norwegian Shipping; S.Tenold Greek and Spanish Shipowners in the 19th and 20th Centuries; G.Harlaftis & J.M.Valdaliso Epilogue: A Key Industry or an Invisible Industry?; G.Harlaftis, S.Tenold & J.M.Valdaliso