With less global consumption brought about by the recession, companies are turning to the sea to transport goods rather than air, according to shipping recruiters.

Steve Wyeth, director, sdw recruitment, told Recruiter that increased demand for shipping could create more jobs in the sector.

“With the goods that are not urgent, shipping companies will ask can we ship goods by sea as opposed to air?

“When goods were flying off the shelf, retailers had to replenish stocks but with demand not as strong, the time delay by sea is not as crucial.”

Ian McKenzie, managing director at Ragged Edge consulting, adds: “There is a trend towards smaller packages of freight which is driven by the global economy.

“The cheapest method of transporting goods would be surface rather than air. People are buying in less quantity.”