This book uses historical and theoretical analysis as the framework for a practical explanation of how shipping works today. Preface, Synopsis, Abbreviations, Introduction to Shipping, Sea Transport and the Global Economy, The Organization of the Shipping Market, Shipping Market Economics, Shipping Market Cycles, Supply and Demand and Freight Rates, The Four Shipping Markets, Shipping Company Economics, Costs and Revenue and Cashflow, Financing Ships and Shipping Companies, Risk and Return and Shipping Company Economics, Seaborne Trade and Transport Systems, The Geography of Maritime Trade, The Principles of Maritime Trade, The Transport of Bulk Cargoes, The Transport of Specialized Cargoes, The Transport of General Cargo, The Merchant Fleet and Transport Supply, The Ships that Provide the Transport, The Economics of Shipbuilding and Scrapping, The Regulation of the Maritime Industry, Forecasting and Planning, Maritime Forecasting and Market Research, Appendices, Notes, Index.