This is referred to as water transportation and it is used in transporting bulky goods and persons across countries that have seaports. The means of sea transportation are as follows: Canoes, Boats, Ship, Steamers, Ocean liners etc.
The sea transportation is divided into:
a. Inland Waterway: This consists of traveling along River Niger and River Benue or other local rivers in Nigeria.
b. International Transport or Ocean Navigation: This consists of sailing on oceans and seas using ships for traveling from one continent to another.
Types of Ship
1. Cargo Ship: Used in carrying bulky goods.
2. Passengers Ship: Used in carrying large number of passengers.
3. Tanker Ship: Used in carrying crude oil.
4. Refrigerator Ship: Used in carrying only frozen foods such as fish, meat vegetables and fruits.
5. Container Ship: Used in carrying big containers of goods.
Advantages of Sea / Water Transportation
- It is the most convenient and easiest way of conveying bulky goods from one country to another.
- It is relatively cheap when compared with other types of transportation.
- Sea transport is less prone to accident i.e. accident is not rampant.
- Risk coverage is minimized as a result of the insurance policies.
Disadvantages of Sea / Water Transportation
- It lacks speed thereby making the means of transport slow.
- Poor navigation.
- There is high degree of pilfering.
- Boats and canoes are sometimes subjected to terrible sea waves.
- Sea port congestions often cause delay.
- It requires high capital expenditure.