Major Sea Routes - World | Oxford Student ATLAS: Maps & Tests - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


Major Sea Routes
Introduction
Water transport is a cost-effective and efficient mode of transportation that
offers various advantages over land and aerial routes. One of the key benefits of
water transport is its ability to navigate waterways without the need for
constructing specific routes. This article explores the significance of sea routes in
water transport, their advantages, and some of the important sea routes around
the world.
Advantages of Water Transport
· Cost-Effective: Water transport is more affordable compared to land or
aerial transportation. The friction created by water is significantly less than
that of land, resulting in lower fuel and energy expenses.
· Versatile Routes: Sea routes provide a vast and accessible network for
navigation in all directions. This flexibility allows for efficient transportation
of bulky or heavy items to different continents or distant places.
· Advanced Navigation Tools: Modern cargo and passenger ships are
equipped with advanced navigation tools such as wireless communication
Page 2


Major Sea Routes
Introduction
Water transport is a cost-effective and efficient mode of transportation that
offers various advantages over land and aerial routes. One of the key benefits of
water transport is its ability to navigate waterways without the need for
constructing specific routes. This article explores the significance of sea routes in
water transport, their advantages, and some of the important sea routes around
the world.
Advantages of Water Transport
· Cost-Effective: Water transport is more affordable compared to land or
aerial transportation. The friction created by water is significantly less than
that of land, resulting in lower fuel and energy expenses.
· Versatile Routes: Sea routes provide a vast and accessible network for
navigation in all directions. This flexibility allows for efficient transportation
of bulky or heavy items to different continents or distant places.
· Advanced Navigation Tools: Modern cargo and passenger ships are
equipped with advanced navigation tools such as wireless communication
Major Sea Routes
and radar systems. These tools enhance the safety and efficiency of sea
transportation.
· Specialized Cargo Handling: Specially designed ships and tankers facilitate
the transportation of various types of cargo. Refrigerated cabins can be
built to store perishable goods, while containers enable the handling of
heavy cargo at different ports worldwide.
Important Sea Routes
1. North Atlantic Sea Route: The North Atlantic Sea Route serves as a crucial
link between the industrialized regions of Northwestern Europe and the
Northeastern part of the United States. This route handles a significant
portion of international trade, accounting for over 25% of global foreign
trade. It is commonly referred to as the Big Trunk Route and offers modern
harbor facilities and ports on both coasts.
2. Mediterranean-Indian Ocean Sea Route: The Mediterranean-Indian Ocean
Sea Route holds historical significance and plays a vital role in meeting the
needs of nations and people. This route now utilizes the Suez Canal, which
replaced the earlier passage through the Cape of Good Hope, reducing both
time and distance for container ships. Prominent ports along this route
include Colombo, Singapore, Aden, Mumbai, and Port Said.
3. Cape of Good Hope: The Cape of Good Hope connects heavily
industrialized regions in Western Europe with South East Asia, South Africa,
and West Africa. This sea route supports the economies, agriculture, and
livestock industries of countries like New Zealand and Australia. It has
contributed to increased traffic and trade volume between West and East
Africa, driven by the exchange of natural resources and goods.
4. Southern Atlantic Sea Route: The Southern Atlantic Sea Route connects
South American nations with regions in West Africa and West Europe. Due
to the sparsely populated and underdeveloped nature of African and South
American countries along this route, the traffic is relatively low. However,
this route provides essential connectivity and trade opportunities between
Cape Town and Rio De Janeiro, facilitating the exchange of natural
resources and goods.
Page 3


Major Sea Routes
Introduction
Water transport is a cost-effective and efficient mode of transportation that
offers various advantages over land and aerial routes. One of the key benefits of
water transport is its ability to navigate waterways without the need for
constructing specific routes. This article explores the significance of sea routes in
water transport, their advantages, and some of the important sea routes around
the world.
Advantages of Water Transport
· Cost-Effective: Water transport is more affordable compared to land or
aerial transportation. The friction created by water is significantly less than
that of land, resulting in lower fuel and energy expenses.
· Versatile Routes: Sea routes provide a vast and accessible network for
navigation in all directions. This flexibility allows for efficient transportation
of bulky or heavy items to different continents or distant places.
· Advanced Navigation Tools: Modern cargo and passenger ships are
equipped with advanced navigation tools such as wireless communication
Major Sea Routes
and radar systems. These tools enhance the safety and efficiency of sea
transportation.
· Specialized Cargo Handling: Specially designed ships and tankers facilitate
the transportation of various types of cargo. Refrigerated cabins can be
built to store perishable goods, while containers enable the handling of
heavy cargo at different ports worldwide.
Important Sea Routes
1. North Atlantic Sea Route: The North Atlantic Sea Route serves as a crucial
link between the industrialized regions of Northwestern Europe and the
Northeastern part of the United States. This route handles a significant
portion of international trade, accounting for over 25% of global foreign
trade. It is commonly referred to as the Big Trunk Route and offers modern
harbor facilities and ports on both coasts.
2. Mediterranean-Indian Ocean Sea Route: The Mediterranean-Indian Ocean
Sea Route holds historical significance and plays a vital role in meeting the
needs of nations and people. This route now utilizes the Suez Canal, which
replaced the earlier passage through the Cape of Good Hope, reducing both
time and distance for container ships. Prominent ports along this route
include Colombo, Singapore, Aden, Mumbai, and Port Said.
3. Cape of Good Hope: The Cape of Good Hope connects heavily
industrialized regions in Western Europe with South East Asia, South Africa,
and West Africa. This sea route supports the economies, agriculture, and
livestock industries of countries like New Zealand and Australia. It has
contributed to increased traffic and trade volume between West and East
Africa, driven by the exchange of natural resources and goods.
4. Southern Atlantic Sea Route: The Southern Atlantic Sea Route connects
South American nations with regions in West Africa and West Europe. Due
to the sparsely populated and underdeveloped nature of African and South
American countries along this route, the traffic is relatively low. However,
this route provides essential connectivity and trade opportunities between
Cape Town and Rio De Janeiro, facilitating the exchange of natural
resources and goods.
Major Sea Routes
5. North Pacific Sea Route: The North Pacific Sea Route converges various
trade routes of the North Pacific Ocean at Honolulu. It significantly reduces
the distance of 2,480 kilometers between Yokohama and Vancouver by
50%. This route connects Asia with North American ports on the west coast,
including Los Angeles, Vancouver, Portland, Seattle, and San Francisco, as
well as Asian ports like Shanghai, Manila, Hong Kong, Kobe, Yokohama, and
Singapore.
6. South Pacific Sea Route: The South Pacific Sea Route connects North
America and Western Europe with the Pacific Islands, Australia, and New
Zealand. It passes through the Panama Canal, providing a vital link for trade
and transportation in the region.
Coastal Shipping
Coastal shipping offers a convenient mode of transport due to the presence of
long coastlines in certain regions. Examples of areas where coastal shipping
thrives include coastal regions of India, China, and the United States. In Europe,
coastal shipping in the Shenzhen States has become efficient due to the proximity
of coasts to each other. Coastal shipping has the potential to alleviate traffic
congestion on land routes, but it requires strategic development to realize its full
benefits.
Shipping Canals
Shipping canals, such as the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal, play a pivotal role
in facilitating international trade between the Eastern and Western worlds.
1. Suez Canal: The Suez Canal, located in Egypt, connects the Red Sea to the
Mediterranean Sea. It serves as a gateway for European regions to access
the Indian Ocean, reducing the distance between Colomba and Liverpool
compared to the sea route via the Cape of Good Hope. The canal spans a
length of 160 kilometers and is navigable without the need for locks. It sees
a significant amount of daily ship traffic and takes approximately 10 to 12
hours for ships to cross.
2. Panama Canal: The Panama Canal links the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and
was constructed by the United States government. Spanning 72 kilometers,
the canal includes a 6-lock system where ships navigate different levels
Page 4


Major Sea Routes
Introduction
Water transport is a cost-effective and efficient mode of transportation that
offers various advantages over land and aerial routes. One of the key benefits of
water transport is its ability to navigate waterways without the need for
constructing specific routes. This article explores the significance of sea routes in
water transport, their advantages, and some of the important sea routes around
the world.
Advantages of Water Transport
· Cost-Effective: Water transport is more affordable compared to land or
aerial transportation. The friction created by water is significantly less than
that of land, resulting in lower fuel and energy expenses.
· Versatile Routes: Sea routes provide a vast and accessible network for
navigation in all directions. This flexibility allows for efficient transportation
of bulky or heavy items to different continents or distant places.
· Advanced Navigation Tools: Modern cargo and passenger ships are
equipped with advanced navigation tools such as wireless communication
Major Sea Routes
and radar systems. These tools enhance the safety and efficiency of sea
transportation.
· Specialized Cargo Handling: Specially designed ships and tankers facilitate
the transportation of various types of cargo. Refrigerated cabins can be
built to store perishable goods, while containers enable the handling of
heavy cargo at different ports worldwide.
Important Sea Routes
1. North Atlantic Sea Route: The North Atlantic Sea Route serves as a crucial
link between the industrialized regions of Northwestern Europe and the
Northeastern part of the United States. This route handles a significant
portion of international trade, accounting for over 25% of global foreign
trade. It is commonly referred to as the Big Trunk Route and offers modern
harbor facilities and ports on both coasts.
2. Mediterranean-Indian Ocean Sea Route: The Mediterranean-Indian Ocean
Sea Route holds historical significance and plays a vital role in meeting the
needs of nations and people. This route now utilizes the Suez Canal, which
replaced the earlier passage through the Cape of Good Hope, reducing both
time and distance for container ships. Prominent ports along this route
include Colombo, Singapore, Aden, Mumbai, and Port Said.
3. Cape of Good Hope: The Cape of Good Hope connects heavily
industrialized regions in Western Europe with South East Asia, South Africa,
and West Africa. This sea route supports the economies, agriculture, and
livestock industries of countries like New Zealand and Australia. It has
contributed to increased traffic and trade volume between West and East
Africa, driven by the exchange of natural resources and goods.
4. Southern Atlantic Sea Route: The Southern Atlantic Sea Route connects
South American nations with regions in West Africa and West Europe. Due
to the sparsely populated and underdeveloped nature of African and South
American countries along this route, the traffic is relatively low. However,
this route provides essential connectivity and trade opportunities between
Cape Town and Rio De Janeiro, facilitating the exchange of natural
resources and goods.
Major Sea Routes
5. North Pacific Sea Route: The North Pacific Sea Route converges various
trade routes of the North Pacific Ocean at Honolulu. It significantly reduces
the distance of 2,480 kilometers between Yokohama and Vancouver by
50%. This route connects Asia with North American ports on the west coast,
including Los Angeles, Vancouver, Portland, Seattle, and San Francisco, as
well as Asian ports like Shanghai, Manila, Hong Kong, Kobe, Yokohama, and
Singapore.
6. South Pacific Sea Route: The South Pacific Sea Route connects North
America and Western Europe with the Pacific Islands, Australia, and New
Zealand. It passes through the Panama Canal, providing a vital link for trade
and transportation in the region.
Coastal Shipping
Coastal shipping offers a convenient mode of transport due to the presence of
long coastlines in certain regions. Examples of areas where coastal shipping
thrives include coastal regions of India, China, and the United States. In Europe,
coastal shipping in the Shenzhen States has become efficient due to the proximity
of coasts to each other. Coastal shipping has the potential to alleviate traffic
congestion on land routes, but it requires strategic development to realize its full
benefits.
Shipping Canals
Shipping canals, such as the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal, play a pivotal role
in facilitating international trade between the Eastern and Western worlds.
1. Suez Canal: The Suez Canal, located in Egypt, connects the Red Sea to the
Mediterranean Sea. It serves as a gateway for European regions to access
the Indian Ocean, reducing the distance between Colomba and Liverpool
compared to the sea route via the Cape of Good Hope. The canal spans a
length of 160 kilometers and is navigable without the need for locks. It sees
a significant amount of daily ship traffic and takes approximately 10 to 12
hours for ships to cross.
2. Panama Canal: The Panama Canal links the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and
was constructed by the United States government. Spanning 72 kilometers,
the canal includes a 6-lock system where ships navigate different levels
Major Sea Routes
before reaching the Gulf of Panama. The Panama Canal reduces the
distance between San Francisco and New York by 13,000 kilometers and
serves as a vital economic gateway for Latin American countries.
Conclusion
Water transport, with its sea routes and inland waterways, offers a cost-effective
and efficient means of transportation. The absence of construction costs and
minimal maintenance expenses make it an attractive option. Sea routes provide
versatile and accessible navigation pathways, connecting continents and
facilitating international trade. Advanced navigation tools and specialized cargo
handling capabilities further enhance the efficiency and safety of water transport.
Shipping canals like the Suez Canal and the Panama Canal significantly contribute
to global commerce by providing strategic gateways between the Eastern and
Western worlds.