TRT2601
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2025
Unique #:
Due Date: April 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, INTRODUCTION
Sea water transport plays a vital role in international trade, tourism, and economic
development, especially for coastal regions. However, despite its importance, the
growth of this transport mode is influenced by several challenges, such as
infrastructure limitations, high costs, and environmental concerns. In this
assignment, I will first discuss, in my own words, the key factors that hinder the
development and expansion of sea water transport. Following that, I will critically
analyse the factors that have contributed to the growth of sea water transport in
two popular African cruise destinations: Walvis Bay in Namibia and Portuguese
Island in Mozambique. Both destinations form part of MSC Cruises’ itinerary, and
their increasing popularity highlights unique geographical, economic, and tourism-
related developments. This assignment will explore how these factors have
positively influenced maritime transport in these regions and will draw on various
sources to present a well-rounded discussion of each location’s growth in sea-
based travel.
2.1. FACTORS HINDERING THE GROWTH OF SEA WATER TRANSPORT
Sea water transport faces a variety of challenges that can limit its expansion and
competitiveness in both the tourism and freight sectors. Firstly, the high cost of
developing and maintaining port infrastructure is a significant barrier. Large
harbors require massive capital outlay for construction and upkeep of terminals,
berths, and specialized equipment, such as cranes and loading facilities. Often,
governments shoulder these expenses, and if state budgets are limited,
expanding harbor capacity or upgrading older facilities can become a lengthy,
underfunded process.
Secondly, competition from other forms of transport—particularly road, rail,
and air—can make sea travel less appealing for both passengers and cargo
operators. Rail and road networks typically receive government subsidies, which
may disadvantage coastal shipping when it comes to pricing. Additionally, in
some countries, protected freight rates and policies favor land-based transport,
leaving coastal and inter-island shipping with minimal market share.
Varsity Cube 2024 +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2025
Unique #:
Due Date: April 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, INTRODUCTION
Sea water transport plays a vital role in international trade, tourism, and economic
development, especially for coastal regions. However, despite its importance, the
growth of this transport mode is influenced by several challenges, such as
infrastructure limitations, high costs, and environmental concerns. In this
assignment, I will first discuss, in my own words, the key factors that hinder the
development and expansion of sea water transport. Following that, I will critically
analyse the factors that have contributed to the growth of sea water transport in
two popular African cruise destinations: Walvis Bay in Namibia and Portuguese
Island in Mozambique. Both destinations form part of MSC Cruises’ itinerary, and
their increasing popularity highlights unique geographical, economic, and tourism-
related developments. This assignment will explore how these factors have
positively influenced maritime transport in these regions and will draw on various
sources to present a well-rounded discussion of each location’s growth in sea-
based travel.
2.1. FACTORS HINDERING THE GROWTH OF SEA WATER TRANSPORT
Sea water transport faces a variety of challenges that can limit its expansion and
competitiveness in both the tourism and freight sectors. Firstly, the high cost of
developing and maintaining port infrastructure is a significant barrier. Large
harbors require massive capital outlay for construction and upkeep of terminals,
berths, and specialized equipment, such as cranes and loading facilities. Often,
governments shoulder these expenses, and if state budgets are limited,
expanding harbor capacity or upgrading older facilities can become a lengthy,
underfunded process.
Secondly, competition from other forms of transport—particularly road, rail,
and air—can make sea travel less appealing for both passengers and cargo
operators. Rail and road networks typically receive government subsidies, which
may disadvantage coastal shipping when it comes to pricing. Additionally, in
some countries, protected freight rates and policies favor land-based transport,
leaving coastal and inter-island shipping with minimal market share.
Varsity Cube 2024 +27 81 278 3372
