Water transport 

is either watercraft carrying passengers or goods.

Sea transport has been the largest carrier of freight throughout the history. Although the importance
of sea travel for passengers has decreased due to aviation, it is effective for short trips and pleasure
cruises. Transport by water is cheaper than transport by air[citation needed],

Water transport can be over any distance by boat, ship, sailboat, over oceans and lakes, through
canals or along rivers. "General cargo" includes goods packaged in boxes, cases, pallets, and
barrels. Shipping may be for commerce, recreation or the military purpose. Virtually any material can
be moved by water; however, water transport becomes impractical when material delivery is highly
time-critical. For example, A cargo ship sailing from a European port to a US one will typically take
10–12 days depending on water currents and other factors