Commercial Shipping from Past to Present
Bachmann Group will soon reach an incredible milestone, hitting the impressive age of 50 years old. With roots dating back all the way to 1974, our company has not only survived but has indeed thrived in the ever-changing maritime industry.
In this edition of our blog, we look at some of the many ways in which the commercial shipping sector has changed since Bachmann Group was founded.
Like pretty much anything else you care to mention, commercial shipping has changed almost beyond recognition in the past five decades. Technology has advanced at an unprecedented pace, regulatory frameworks have continually evolved and trade patterns around the world have remained constantly in flux. These and numerous other aspects have had radical effects across the board.
Back in 1974, container ships were much smaller than today, with the biggest (Remuera Bay) capable of carrying just over 1,700 containers; for comparison, the largest such ships sailing the oceans today can carry more than 24,000! As container sizes became standardised and new, more efficient systems of handling them were developed, container ships enjoyed increasing popularity, reducing both transit times and costs.
Another key change has been the widespread implementation of new technologies. The global positioning system (GPS) has resulted in many benefits in terms of vessel tracking and navigation, while the electronic interchange of data has revolutionised processes of documentation and communication, helping to increase the pace of goods flowing around the world. Robotics and other forms of automation have been widely adopted both on vessels and within port environments, improving productivity, efficiency and safety.
Many ships in the early 1970s were still powered by steam turbines. As time went on, they switched to diesel and other fuels which, though less polluting than coal, still had major environmental impacts. In recent years, regulations regarding water and air pollution have become tighter and many commercial shipping operators are now looking at various cleaner options from LNG (liquefied natural gas) to hydrogen. Some shipping companies are even going back to using sails!
One thing that has not changed in the slightest throughout all these years is Bachmann Group's dedication to excellence in all that we do. Though our range of marine services has continued to grow, develop and evolve (even reaching further into aviation!), that dedication has and always will be unwavering.
Find out more about our suite of services on the Bachmann Group website and please subscribe to our email newsletter to stay in touch.
