It's the lifeblood of the world's economy, moving most of our imports and exports and around the globe. But shipping is changing: vessels and ports are getting bigger and competition for trade is coming from the Far East.
Evan Davis and guests from the world of shipping discuss how ports are run and how the shipping business manages the risk of accidents and piracy.
Guests:
James Cooper - CEO of Associated British Ports. , a private company which owns and runs 21 ports in the UK. Kenneth MacLeod - Chairman of Stena Line UK and President of the UK Chamber of Shipping. Rupert Atkin - CEO of Talbot Underwriting and Chairman of the Lloyd's Market Association.
Producer - Smita Patel.