A shipment comprising 188,000 flowers left Ethiopia sailing en route to Valencia, Spain. In recent years, maritime transport has been increasingly recognized as a viable mode for shipping flowers, with Ethiopia being no exception. Marine freight is not only more cost-effective but also more environmentally sustainable compared to air transport. Emerging insights indicate that it may assist in managing pests, such as the False Codling Moth (FCM), a species endemic to sub-Saharan Africa that has prompted 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 Djibouti, Ethiopia’s maritime gateway, in mid-April and is anticipated to arrive in Spain on May 16. There is optimism for arrival by the eve of Mother’s Day, May 10. In this discourse, Mekonnen Solomon W., an official at the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture, elaborates on the burgeoning potential of maritime transport for the flower export sector in Ethiopia.
From Djibouti, Ethiopia, to Valencia, Spain – A Four-Week Journey
Ethiopia is a landlocked nation; consequently, the flowers exit the continent via Djibouti. “On April 15, 2025, twenty pallets of flowers, totaling 188,000 stems (or 5,382 kg) of summer and rose flowers, were consolidated by four farms in Beshofetu town. The flowers were subsequently loaded onto a vessel in Djibouti and departed with Maersk for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Upon arrival in Jeddah, the shipment was transferred to a Mediterranean Shipping Company vessel and continued to Valencia, Spain.” The estimated duration of this journey is four weeks, contingent upon weather conditions, port handling efficiency, and operational coordination upon arrival. However, there is considerable optimism that the shipment will reach its destination on the evening prior to Mother’s Day.
Enhanced Management of FCM
A significant development is the recognition that marine freight can serve as an effective method for managing the False Codling Moth (FCM), a quarantine pest that has adversely impacted Ethiopia’s floriculture and agriculture sectors, as well as those in other East African countries. “The pest can inflict damage on fruits, vegetables, and roses, culminating in severe economic losses,” states Mekonnen. “It has become a pressing concern for European flower imports, especially roses, leading to heightened inspection rates and stringent trade restrictions on Ethiopian exports.”
Maritime transport is now being evaluated as a promising strategy to alleviate the FCM issue. Mekonnen explains, “The False Codling Moth is not well adapted to prolonged exposure to low temperatures, which is known to eliminate all stages of its life cycle. Sustained exposure to temperatures below 2°C combined with specific humidity levels is achievable only through sea transport. The extended transit time, typically three to four weeks, creates optimal conditions for eradicating the pest’s eggs.”
In contrast, the brief transit times associated with air cargo do not permit adequate cold exposure to manage this pest effectively. “This explanation underscores why certain farms are increasingly convinced that maritime freight offers a substantial advantage in controlling the False Codling Moth,” Mekonnen notes.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Another emergent concern among European retailers, who are significant consumers of Ethiopian flowers, is the carbon footprint associated with flower transportation. “Air freight is labour-intensive and imposes considerable environmental repercussions. The European Union is particularly dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint and achieving climate neutrality. With binding commitments to lower net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and to attain net-zero emissions by 2050, reliance on air freight poses a significant challenge for growers.”
What, then, is the degree to which the carbon footprint of sea freight surpasses that of air freight? “Numerous logistics studies indicate that the carbon footprint of air freight can be 10 to 50 times greater than that of sea freight for equivalent cargo over comparable distances. Airplanes consume substantial quantities of refined jet fuel, which considerably contributes to CO₂ emissions. Conversely, vessels carry large volumes of freight, and although they utilize heavier, less refined fuel, their emissions per ton remain considerably lower. Their reduced speed enhances fuel efficiency; vessels operate akin to the tortoises of the transportation sector.”
Cost-Effectiveness of Fuel
When considering fuel costs, these expenses further favor maritime transport. “There exists a marked distinction between the types of fuel employed by ships and those used by aircraft. Ships generally utilize a dense, less expensive fuel—the residual product from refining crude oil. While this fuel is not the cleanest, it is cost-effective and readily available. In contrast, cargo aircraft utilize jet fuel, a highly refined and significantly more expensive type of kerosene.”
This variation in fuel costs has a notable impact on overall transportation expenditures. “As fuel prices escalate, so too do the surcharges associated with air freight. Consequently, maritime transport, being inherently more fuel-efficient and economical, offers exporters a distinct competitive advantage.”
Temperature Stability
Although air freight affords faster transit times, it introduces inherent risks, such as temperature fluctuations during transport.
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.”