2.1 Factors That Limit the Expansion of Sea Water Transport
Maritime transport has long been a vital method for moving goods and people across
the globe. Despite its significance, several obstacles continue to restrict its development
and efficiency.
1. High Financial Demands for Infrastructure and Upkeep
Developing and maintaining maritime infrastructure—such as ports, shipping
terminals, and vessels—requires substantial investment. Many developing
nations lack the financial resources needed to modernise their sea transport
systems, which limits progress in this sector.
2. Slower Transportation Speeds Compared to Alternatives
Sea transport is generally much slower than air or even road transport. This
becomes a disadvantage for businesses that rely on quick delivery times,
especially those dealing in perishable items or time-sensitive goods.
3. Adverse Weather Conditions and Natural Hazards
The unpredictability of sea conditions poses a serious challenge. Severe storms,
rough waters, and other natural events can delay shipments, damage ships, or
even lead to loss of cargo. Additionally, climate change has brought about more
extreme weather patterns and rising sea levels, further complicating maritime
navigation.
4. Piracy and Maritime Security Threats
Certain maritime regions, such as the waters near Somalia and the Gulf of
Guinea, are prone to piracy. Criminal activity in these zones can endanger ships
and crews, increasing the costs of shipping due to higher insurance premiums
and the need for enhanced security protocols.
5. Environmental Challenges and Regulatory Pressures
The shipping industry contributes to environmental degradation through
emissions and marine pollution. In response, governments and international
bodies have implemented strict environmental regulations. While these are
necessary, compliance can be expensive for shipping companies and may
require operational changes or technological upgrades.
, 6. Limited Connectivity to Inland Areas
Not all regions have easy access to the sea, and even when ports are available,
transporting goods from the port to inland cities can be a challenge due to poor
road and rail networks. This makes sea transport less convenient for landlocked
countries.
7. Competition from Other Transport Modes
With advancements in rail and air transport, many businesses prefer these faster
options over sea transport. For instance, high-speed trains and cargo planes can
deliver goods in a fraction of the time it takes for a ship to do so.
8. Customs Delays and Bureaucracy
International shipping involves dealing with different countries’ regulations,
customs duties, and paperwork, which can lead to delays and additional costs.
Some countries have complicated procedures that discourage businesses from
using sea transport.
9. Shortage of Skilled Workforce
The shipping industry requires experienced sailors, engineers, and port workers,
but there is a shortage of skilled professionals in some parts of the world. Without
enough trained personnel, the efficiency of sea transport is affected.
10. Overcrowding and Port Congestion
In some major ports, there are too many ships arriving at the same time, leading
to long waiting times and delays in offloading cargo. This inefficiency can
discourage businesses from relying on sea transport.
2.2 Factors That Contributed to the Growth of Sea Water Transport in Walvis Bay
and Portuguese Island
Walvis Bay, Namibia
Maritime transport has long been a vital method for moving goods and people across
the globe. Despite its significance, several obstacles continue to restrict its development
and efficiency.
1. High Financial Demands for Infrastructure and Upkeep
Developing and maintaining maritime infrastructure—such as ports, shipping
terminals, and vessels—requires substantial investment. Many developing
nations lack the financial resources needed to modernise their sea transport
systems, which limits progress in this sector.
2. Slower Transportation Speeds Compared to Alternatives
Sea transport is generally much slower than air or even road transport. This
becomes a disadvantage for businesses that rely on quick delivery times,
especially those dealing in perishable items or time-sensitive goods.
3. Adverse Weather Conditions and Natural Hazards
The unpredictability of sea conditions poses a serious challenge. Severe storms,
rough waters, and other natural events can delay shipments, damage ships, or
even lead to loss of cargo. Additionally, climate change has brought about more
extreme weather patterns and rising sea levels, further complicating maritime
navigation.
4. Piracy and Maritime Security Threats
Certain maritime regions, such as the waters near Somalia and the Gulf of
Guinea, are prone to piracy. Criminal activity in these zones can endanger ships
and crews, increasing the costs of shipping due to higher insurance premiums
and the need for enhanced security protocols.
5. Environmental Challenges and Regulatory Pressures
The shipping industry contributes to environmental degradation through
emissions and marine pollution. In response, governments and international
bodies have implemented strict environmental regulations. While these are
necessary, compliance can be expensive for shipping companies and may
require operational changes or technological upgrades.
, 6. Limited Connectivity to Inland Areas
Not all regions have easy access to the sea, and even when ports are available,
transporting goods from the port to inland cities can be a challenge due to poor
road and rail networks. This makes sea transport less convenient for landlocked
countries.
7. Competition from Other Transport Modes
With advancements in rail and air transport, many businesses prefer these faster
options over sea transport. For instance, high-speed trains and cargo planes can
deliver goods in a fraction of the time it takes for a ship to do so.
8. Customs Delays and Bureaucracy
International shipping involves dealing with different countries’ regulations,
customs duties, and paperwork, which can lead to delays and additional costs.
Some countries have complicated procedures that discourage businesses from
using sea transport.
9. Shortage of Skilled Workforce
The shipping industry requires experienced sailors, engineers, and port workers,
but there is a shortage of skilled professionals in some parts of the world. Without
enough trained personnel, the efficiency of sea transport is affected.
10. Overcrowding and Port Congestion
In some major ports, there are too many ships arriving at the same time, leading
to long waiting times and delays in offloading cargo. This inefficiency can
discourage businesses from relying on sea transport.
2.2 Factors That Contributed to the Growth of Sea Water Transport in Walvis Bay
and Portuguese Island
Walvis Bay, Namibia
