Shipping containers transport all commercial goods between the nations; however, the Oriri Nation gets away with transporting a lot of illegal goods.  They transport drugs, humans, and guns.  Hudson and Zane sure knew what they were doing when they took over the Universal Federation North.  Do you think they can gain control of the surrounding seas?  Cash or Brooks might have a few thalassic soldier friends.

Sook Joo has an interesting story about shipping containers.  We find out more in the second novel.