Question

What are the advantages of Water Transport?

Hint:

Water transport is best suited for heavy, bulky, and non-perishable goods. Development of modern ports, container ships, and inland waterways has further increased its importance in both domestic and international trade.

Answer 1

Water transport refers to the movement of goods and passengers through rivers, lakes, canals, seas, and oceans. It is one of the oldest means of transport known to humans and still plays a vital role in global as well as domestic trade.
Advantages of Water Transport:
1. Most Economical for Heavy Goods:
- Water transport is the cheapest method of transporting bulky and heavy goods such as coal, iron ore, crude oil, cement, and food grains.
- This is because ships and boats can carry thousands of tonnes of cargo at once, reducing cost per unit.
2. Fuel Efficiency and Low Cost:
- Ships and boats consume comparatively less fuel per tonne of cargo transported.
- Hence, it is more fuel-efficient and economical than roadways and airways.
3. Suitable for International Trade:
- Oceans and seas connect different continents, making water transport the backbone of international trade.
- About 80–90% of world trade by volume is carried out through ocean transport.
4. Environment Friendly:
- Water transport causes less pollution compared to air and road transport.
- It has a lower carbon footprint per tonne-kilometre of goods carried.
5. Reduces Pressure on Land Routes:
- By using inland waterways (rivers and canals), some load is shifted away from highways and railways, reducing traffic congestion.
6. Useful for Passengers and Tourism:
- Passenger ships, ferries, and luxury cruises provide comfortable travel and also promote tourism.
- In countries like India, ferries play a vital role in connecting riverine and island regions.
Examples:
- The Suez Canal (Egypt) and Panama Canal (Central America) are vital waterways that shorten international trade routes.
- In India, the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system and Kerala backwaters are important inland waterways.
Thus, water transport is cheap, energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and indispensable for global trade and inland connectivity.