Climate Change Poses Increasing Risks to Maritime Cargo
Rising global temperatures and humidity are increasingly affecting the integrity of cargo during transit, particularly in Southeast Asia. According to MarineLink, the past decade has been the hottest on record, with global temperatures rising by approximately 1.1°C since 1880. This warming is amplified at sea, where oceans absorb most of the excess heat, driving up sea surface temperatures and increasing atmospheric moisture. These changes are leading to more intense weather patterns, which pose new risks for cargo owners, ship operators, and logistics teams. Ports and shipping routes across Asia are experiencing more frequent wind stoppages, heatwaves, and high-humidity conditions, disrupting schedules and placing additional stress on cargo.