An audacious investigation into the mechanics and perils of cargo shipping; an all-but-visible industry that supplies seven billion humans and holds the key to our economy, our environment and our model of civilisation.

90 per cent of the goods we consume in the West are manufactured in far-off lands and brought to us by ship. The cargo shipping industry is a key player in world economy and forms the basis of our very model of modern civilisation.

Without shipping, it would be impossible to fulfil the ever-increasing demands of our societies. Yet the functioning and regulations of this business remain largely obscure to many – and its hidden costs affect us all.

Due to their size, freight ships no longer fit in traditional city harbours; they have moved out of the public’s eye, behind barriers and check points.

The film sets out to answer many questions. Who pulls the strings in this multi-billion dollar business? To what extent does the industry control our policy makers? How does it affect the environment above and below the water? And what is life like for modern seafarers?

Taking us on a journey over the seas, Freightened reveals the many faces of world-wide freight shipping and sheds light on how we can help in the fight for more sustainable freight shipping.