In Shipping Game, players take control of competing global shipping companies, establishing harbor offices around the world, building fleets, and competing for lucrative cargo contracts.
Over eight rounds, players expand their presence across six regions, purchase ships of different capacities, and bid against rival shipping companies for contracts available at ports where they have established harbor offices. Winning a contract requires the player to commit a ship to transporting its cargo. Some deliveries are completed quickly, while longer contracts tie up valuable ships for several rounds in exchange for greater rewards.
Every expansion comes with a cost. Ships and harbor offices require operating expenses each round, so players must balance growth against the risk of running short of cash. Competition at contract auctions can drive prices upward, forcing players to decide how much a valuable shipment is really worth and when it is better to let a rival take it.
Delivered containers are collected throughout the game and contribute to final scoring through total shipments, cargo variety, and dominance in individual cargo types. Players also score for completed contracts, harbor offices, their remaining fleet, and money. After eight rounds, the shipping company with the most victory points wins.