News » 29.04.2025 - Will ocean freight substitute air cargo in Ethiopia?

At this moment, a shipment of 188,000 Ethiopian flowers is sailing toward Valencia, Spain. In recent years, sea transport has been increasingly explored as a viable option for shipping flowers - and Ethiopia is no exception. While it's known that sea freight is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than air transport, new insights are emerging about its additional benefits. Notably, sea freight may also play a role in managing pests such as the False Codling Moth (FCM), a species native to sub-Saharan Africa that has triggered stricter inspections of flower shipments-particularly roses-by the European Union. Following a successful trial shipment in December 2023, a second consignment of 188,000 rose stems departed from Djibouti—Ethiopia's maritime gateway—in mid-April and is expected to arrive in Spain on May 16, although there is hope for arrival by Mother's Day eve, May 10. In this article, Mekonnen Solomon W., working at Ethiopia Ministry of Agriculture, explains the growing potential of sea transport for Ethiopia's flower export industry.

Mekonnen Solomon W. during phyto inspection

From Djibouti, Ethiopia, to Valencia, Spain – a four-week journey
Ethiopia is landlocked, so where do the flowers leave the continent? "Via Djibouti," Mekonnen explains. "On April 15, 2025, 20 pallets of flowers—totaling 188,000 stems (or 5,382 kg) of summer and rose flowers—were consolidated by four farms in a refrigerated truck in Beshofetu town. The flowers were then loaded onto a vessel in Djibouti and set sail, by Maersk, for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Once in Jeddah, the shipment was transferred onto a ship operated by the Mediterranean Shipping Company and then sailed to Valencia, Spain." It is estimated that the journey would take four weeks, depending on weather conditions, port handling speed, and transit coordination upon arrival, but hopes are high that they will arrive the evening before Mother's Day.

Better management of FCM
An important discovery is that sea freight can be a viable method for managing False Codling Moth (FCM), a quarantine pest that has recently affected Ethiopia's flori- and agriculture industry, as well as that of other East African nations. "The pest can damage fruits, vegetables, and roses, leading to significant economic losses in these crops," says Mekonnen. "It is now a major concern for European flower imports, particularly roses, leading to increased inspection rates—resulting in serious trade restrictions for Ethiopia."

Sea freight is now being considered a promising method to help mitigate FCM, he explains. But how? "The False Codling Moth is not well-adapted to low temperatures for extended periods, which is believed to kill all stages of its life cycle. Exposure to stable temperatures below 2°C with specific humidity levels for extended durations is only achievable with sea transport. The extended transit time—typically 3 to 4 weeks—creates an ideal condition to eliminate the pest's eggs."

By contrast, the short transit time of air cargo does not allow for sufficient cold exposure to control this pest. "This is why some farms have begun to believe that ocean freight offers a significant advantage in managing the False Codling Moth," Mekonnen adds.

Reduced carbon footprint
Another growing concern among European flower retailers—the major buyers of Ethiopian blooms—is the carbon footprint of flower transportation. "Air freight is energy-intensive and has a large environmental impact. The European Union is especially committed to reducing its carbon footprint and achieving climate neutrality. With binding targets to cut net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and to reach net-zero by 2050, air freight poses a serious risk to growers relying on planes."

So how much lower is sea freight's carbon footprint compared to air freight? "Many logistics studies reveal that air freight can have a carbon footprint 10 to 50 times higher than sea freight for the same cargo over the same distance. Airplanes burn large amounts of refined jet fuel, which contributes significantly to CO₂ emissions. Ships, on the other hand, carry massive volumes of cargo, and though they use heavier, less refined fuel, their emissions per ton are much lower. Their slower speed makes them far more fuel-efficient—ships are like the tortoises of the transport world."

Lower fuel prices
And when talking about fuel prices, these costs are another factor favoring sea freight. "There's a major difference between the fuel used by ships and that used by planes. Ships typically use a thick, sludgy, and relatively cheap fuel—what's left over after refining crude oil. It's not the cleanest, but it's affordable and available. In contrast, cargo planes use jet fuel, a highly refined and much more expensive form of kerosene."

This difference in fuel cost significantly impacts the total cost of transport. "As fuel prices rise, so do air freight surcharges. Sea transport, being more fuel-efficient and lower in cost, gives exporters a clear economic advantage."

Stable temperature
Although air freight is faster, it comes with risks such as temperature fluctuations during transit that can negatively affect flower quality, he continues. "Sea transport, by contrast, offers stable conditions that keep flowers dormant and preserve their quality."

Large capacity—ideal for bulk shipments
Solomon also emphasizes the massive capacity advantage of sea freight. "One modern cargo ship can carry up to 24,346 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Each 20-foot container holds about 1,172 cubic feet of volume. By comparison, even a large freighter like the Boeing 747 can only carry around 26,000 cubic feet in total. This makes sea transport far more practical for bulky or heavy items."

Fewer restrictions
Of course, each mode of transport comes with its own set of restrictions. However, Mekonnen notes that air freight tends to face more restrictions than sea freight. "Beyond tight security measures and weight limits at airports, air cargo often has strict regulations on packaging materials—especially fillers used with flowers. Sea freight is generally more accommodating regarding cargo types and packaging flexibility."

All in all, the stricter rules surrounding air freight make sea freight a more versatile option. "The choice ultimately depends on priorities—but for many Ethiopian exporters, ocean freight is emerging as the smarter long-term strategy."

Real-time insight is essential
"That said, regardless of the method, navigating today's global logistics landscape is no simple task," Mekonnen concludes. "We need real-time data to make informed decisions. That's where tools like Freight, a cutting-edge logistics platform, come in. It provides real-time insights into sea and air freight rates, routes, and schedules—ensuring that exporters stay one step ahead of their shipments."

 

Source: www.floraldaily.com

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