Water Transport is the transportation of goods, people, and animals over the water bodies, such as lakes, rivers and oceans by using various types of water vehicles such as ferry boats, ships, boats and submarines. It is among the oldest and widely utilized means of transport in the world.
Key Features of Water Transport
- Utilizes natural waterways (rivers oceans, seas).
- Suitable for transporting large and bulky items for long distances.
- Less efficient than air transportation, but more affordable for larger shipping.
- It includes both inland water transportation (rivers canals, rivers) and maritime shipping (sea as well as ocean route).
Examples
- Boats that transport passengers across the river.
- Cargo ships are vessels that transport goods across countries.
- Cruise ships are used to travel and for recreation.
Advantages
- Cost-effective for heavy items.
- Greener than air or road transport.
- Excellent for international tourism and trade.
Disadvantages
- Less efficient than air or air transportation.
- Influenced by the weather.
- Only available in areas that have navigable waterways.
List of Water Transport Names in English
There are some different type of water vehicles. Here is list of water vehicles with brief description.
Boats
- Rowboat – A small boat moved by using oars manually.
- Canoe – A narrow, lightweight boat paddled with a single-bladed paddle.
- Kayak – A small covered boat with a hole for sitting, moved with a double-bladed paddle.
- Sailboat – A boat that uses sails and wind power to move on water.
- Motorboat – A small boat powered by an engine for quick travel.
- Fishing boat – A boat designed for catching fish in rivers, lakes, or the sea.
- Houseboat – A boat made for living on, often with rooms and kitchen.
- Speedboat – A fast boat mainly used for racing or recreation.
- Ferry boat – A boat that carries people, cars, or goods across water regularly.
- Lifeboat – A rescue boat used in emergencies to save people from sinking ships.
Ships
- Cargo ship – A large ship used to carry goods and products across seas.
- Container ship – A ship that transports containers loaded with goods.
- Cruise ship – A luxury passenger ship used for vacations and travel.
- Naval ship (Warship) – A ship used by the navy for defense and combat.
- Submarine – A vessel that can travel under water and stay submerged for long periods.
- Research ship – A ship used by scientists to study the ocean and marine life.
- Tanker ship – A large ship that carries liquids like oil or gas.
- Icebreaker ship – A special ship designed to break ice and clear paths in frozen waters.
Personal/Small Watercraft
- Jet ski – A small water vehicle ridden like a motorcycle for fun and speed.
- Paddleboat – A boat powered by pedaling with your feet.
- Dinghy – A small inflatable boat used as a tender or for short distances.
- Catamaran – A boat with two parallel hulls, known for stability and speed.
Special Purpose Water Vehicles
- Rescue boat – A boat used by emergency teams to save people from water accidents.
- Patrol boat – A small naval or police boat used to watch and protect waters.
- Tugboat – A strong boat used to pull or push large ships in ports.
- Fireboat – A boat equipped with water hoses to fight fires on ships or near docks.
- Barge – A flat-bottomed boat used to carry heavy goods, often on rivers.
- Hovercraft – A vehicle that moves over both water and land using air cushions.
- Amphibious vehicle – A vehicle that can travel on both land and water.
Traditional/Regional Boats
- Sampan – A flat wooden boat commonly used in rivers of China and Southeast Asia.
- Gondola – A long, narrow boat used in Venice, Italy, often rowed by a gondolier.
- Dhoni – A traditional fishing boat used in the Maldives and southern India.
- Shikara – A decorative wooden boat used on Dal Lake in Kashmir, India.
- Junk boat – A Chinese sailing ship with a unique design and large sails.