WW Ocean presents new-look trade maps resembling public transit maps
Customers and partners of Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean (WW Ocean) are now able to use new-look trade maps resembling public transit maps, providing a new level of transparency to WW Ocean’s global network. The maps reflect the liner-based network model that sets WW Ocean apart from from tramp and semi-liner service which is common in LoLo shipping.
Maps of the global liner network include easy-to-spot hubs that provide connection points for multiple voyages, while transhipment options – from both WW Ocean and selected third-parties – are clearly marked.
A range of maps area available giving customers a choice of detail. The high-level trade maps show global trade routes and how they related to one another. The detailed trade maps help to visualise export (load and discharge ports) and import (discharge ports only) and show the different routes that make up the trade. For example, the Europe to North America trade route consists of a total of five different services.
Unlike conventional maps, transit maps are not necessarily intended to be geographically accurate, but are always read left to right unless otherwise indicated. They use straight lines and illustrate a fixed distance between stations, regardless of the physical distance between stops. Such a transit map is designed first and foremost for readability, giving a much clearer picture of the routes than a geographically accurate map could. Comprehension speed is also improved as the reader doesn’t need to follow a twisting line to find the next ports on a specific route.
The other common feature is the colour-coding of lines, which allows users to quickly identify a specific route including any necessary transfer points. This is especially useful when looking at world and trade level, and the WW Ocean trade maps have adopted this.
