Question.
What are the advantages of water transport?
(Class 12 geography, Fundamentals of Human Geography, Chapter-8. Transport and Communication )
Answer.
There are three modes of transport systems – land, water, and air. Each mode of transport has its advantages and disadvantages.
Water transport includes both inland (rivers, lakes, etc.) and sea transport.
The following are the major advantages of water transport:
Water transport routes do not require construction as is the case in road and rail networks. The vast oceans on Earth are interconnected and are ideal for ships of various sizes to sail through. It only needs ports to have facilities at both ends.
Water transport is much cheaper as the friction on the water is much less than on land which leads to lower energy costs.
It is eco-friendly as it requires very little energy to transport the same distance by land and air.
It does not require maintenance like rail and road networks.
Water transport (rivers) is the most suitable mode of transport for transport in densely forested areas.
Water transport is ideal for transporting heavy goods such as coal, iron ore, cement, and timber.
It is a relatively safe mode of transport as compared to roads, railways, and airways.
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