Sea transportation is the basis of the transport support of the modern international commerce. Over 80% of cargoes in the world are transported by means of sea transport. And the majority of the cargoes is carried in containers, since containers are standard, and their content is secured by walls and fastening.

Generally, cargoes from Asia as well as South and North America are carried by sea to Russia.

As a rule, sea transportations are a part of combined one: cargo carried by sea is transshipped to an automobile, freight car, aircraft transport and so on. According to specialists, the principal trend of the sector is growth of share of developing countries in the total volume of sea transportations. Currently, their share is 15%.

River transportation are very important for the national trade, especially with account of the extent and natural features of Russia. Within the navigation period (roughly speaking, from April till November) bulky cargoes, various goods imported to sea ports from other countries and so on are carried by rivers.

The extension of sea and river transportation as a service cannot be considered in isolation from development of ports, warehouses as well as features of international and Russian laws and rules.