Theory question 101
Transport, Trade and Tourism(a) Explain four ways in which water transport is important in international trade (b) Outline four limitations of water transportation (c) Suggest solutions to any two of the problems outlined in 1(b) above
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(a) Links continents and countries for trade; cheapest way to carry bulky goods (oil, ores, grain) over long distances; carries very large volumes; natural routes need little construction; carries a wide variety of goods including refrigerated cargo; relatively safe.
(b) Slow; not flexible (no door-to-door service); only countries with coasts or navigable rivers can use it; affected by storms, fog and ice; seasonal rivers, rapids and waterfalls; silting of ports; high cost of ships and ports; water weeds.
(c) Build faster and refrigerated ships; dredge ports and channels; canals and locks around rapids; ice-breakers; clear weeds; use navigational aids and weather forecasting; transit agreements for landlocked countries.
Match each solution to a limitation.