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Introduction
Coastal shipping, one of the oldest forms of maritime trade, has been the lifeblood of
civilizations since ancient times. From the earliest Egyptian, Greek, and Indian traders
navigating near shores in fragile wooden vessels, to today’s highly organized, technology-driven
coastal networks, this mode of transport has continually adapted to the needs of commerce,
security, and sustainability. Over centuries, coastal shipping has evolved from simple barterbased exchanges along nearby ports to becoming a critical component of modern supply
chains, offering a cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative to road and rail transport. Its journey
reflects the broader story of human progress—marked by innovation in navigation, shipbuilding,
logistics, and global trade systems.
