Prepared by

DOCKS AND HARBOUR N. Bhaskara Rao

ENGINEERING Assistant Professor,

Dept. of Civil Eng.,
Aditya Engineering College.
 Water Transportation
• Water transportation is concerned with conveyance of
people and goods in vehicles that float upon water.
These vehicles may be hollow vessels of wood or
metal or a combination of both, which are made to pass
over water by natural or mechanical power.
• The small vessels are generally classified according to
size, construction, power and purpose.
• The waterway for water transportation is any navigable
water which is free of obstructions and of sufficient
depth to carry vessels.
• These navigable water exist on inland lakes, streams
and rivers, estuaries, bays, seas and oceans.
• Most of these waterways are natural but some are
manmade like canals.
 Types of waterways
Waterways can be classified broadly as
1. Oceanic waterways
2. Inland waterways
• Oceanic waterways are concerned with the
conveyance of people and goods primarily across the
ocean between continents or islands.
• Inland waterways consist of water transportation on
rivers, lakes, and canals within The mainland.
 Advantages of water transportation

 Easiest and cheapest mode of communication by utilization of natural surfaces of canals, rivers and oceans, as
the element of friction during traction and maintenance are less than road transport

 Require cheap manual, wind, and steam motive power.

 Higher load carrying capacity for bulky and heavy commodities

 Development of industry

 Development of commerce and expansion of trades

 Development of agriculture

 Discovery of new Island is possible

 Development of Natural Resources and their effective use

 Development of Economic Progress and International contact

 Disadvantages of water transportation

 It requires more time due to slow speed and circuitous routes

 Mountainous rivers, shoals, rapids, and waterfalls hinder water transportation and require better
position fixing and obstruction-detecting systems to avoid surface collision

 Frequent storms and hurricanes result in great loss of life and material

 Vessels oil spillage, noise, smoke, and fumes cause pollution and endanger marine lives

 Fleets of water-ships are used for the lost of power and political domination

 Rapid growth in demand which is more than the capacity of existing facilities

 Uncertainty problems, like energy shortage problems due to political and natural causes

 Energy conservation concern because of the energy problem of Transportation Development

 Modern Trends in Water Transportation

Some of the Recent trends in water transportation are

1. Integration of the transportation system and the environment.

2. Application of system analysis.

3. Optimization using operations research techniques.

4. Computer applications for data processing and analysis.

5. Minimization of energy use.

6. Increased utilization and efficiency of existing facilities.

7. Compatibility between water transportation and other modes through the use of innovative equipment.
Elements of water Transportation

The key elements of water transportation are

1. Watercraft

2. Ports and harbors

3. Waterways and channels

4. Navigational Aids

5. Cargo handling equipment

6. Maritime regulations and safety

7. Logistics and supply chain management

1. Watercraft: Watercraft are vessels used for transportation
on water. They come in various sizes and types, designed for
specific purposes. Some common types of watercraft used in
water transportation include Ships, boats, Barges, and
Ferries.

2. Ports and Harbors: Ports and harbors are essential

infrastructure elements of water transportation. They are
facilities located along coastlines, rivers, or lakes that
provide docking and loading/unloading facilities for
watercraft. Ports and harbors are equipped with piers,
wharves, cranes, storage areas, and other amenities
necessary for efficient cargo handling and passenger
embarkation /disembarkation
3. Waterways and Channels: Waterways refer to natural or
artificial routes that enable ships and boats to navigate between
different destinations. These can include rivers, lakes, canals,
and even man-made channels. Waterways are essential for
inland water transportation and can link major cities, industrial
centers, and ports.

4. Navigational Aids: Navigational aids are critical tools and

devices that assist watercraft in safe navigation. These aids
include:
a. Lighthouses: Tall towers equipped with powerful lights to
guide ships and warn of potential hazards along coastlines.
b. Buoys: Floating markers that indicate safe navigational
routes, shallow areas, or hazardous spots.
c. GPS and Radar Systems: Modern electronic navigation
systems that provide real-time positioning and help avoid
collisions and navigate through adverse weather conditions.
5. Cargo Handling Equipment: Efficient cargo
handling is crucial in water transportation to ensure
timely and safe delivery of goods. Ports and harbors are
equipped with various cargo handling equipment, such
as cranes, conveyor belts, and forklifts, to load and
unload cargo from ships and boats.

6. Maritime Regulations and Safety: Water

transportation operates under a set of international
maritime regulations and safety standards. These
regulations cover areas such as vessel construction,
crew qualifications, navigation rules, pollution
prevention, and safety procedures. Compliance with
these regulations ensures the safe and environmentally
responsible operation of watercraft.
7. Logistics and Supply Chain Management:

Water transportation is an integral part of global logistics and supply chain management.

• It involves planning and coordinating the movement of goods and commodities from production centers to
distribution centers and end consumers, utilizing various modes of transportation, including sea routes.

• Water transportation is a cost-effective and energy-efficient mode of transport for bulk cargo, such as raw
materials, coal, oil, and other heavy goods.

• It also provides a valuable means of international trade, connecting countries and facilitating the exchange
of goods on a global scale.
 Port Authorities, Bodies and Association:

In India, port authorities, bodies, and associations play a crucial role in managing and regulating maritime and port-
related activities. These entities are responsible for the development, maintenance, and efficient functioning of ports,
ensuring smooth trade and transportation of goods by sea. Here's an overview of the major port authorities, bodies,
and associations in India:
1. Major Port Authorities: India has a total of 13 major ports, which are administered by the respective port
authorities. These port authorities are government entities responsible for the overall management, development, and
operation of the major ports. The major port authorities in India include:
• The major port authorities in India include:
• Mumbai Port Trust
• Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (Nhava Sheva)
• Kolkata Port Trust
• Chennai Port Trust
• V.O. Chidambaranar Port Trust (Tuticorin)
• New Mangalore Port Trust
• Cochin Port Trust
• Mormugao Port Trust
• Paradip Port Trust
• Kandla Port Trust
• Visakhapatnam Port Trust
• Ennore Port Trust
Functions of Port Authorities:
1. Infrastructure Development

2. Port Operations

3. Cargo Handling

4. Navigation and Safety

5. Customs and Security

6. Trade Facilitation

7. Environmental Management

8. Dredging and Maintenance

9. Revenue Generation
2. Port Bodies and Associations: Apart from the major port authorities, there are several bodies and
associations in India that play a vital role in the maritime and port sectors. These organizations contribute to
policy formulation, industry standards, training, and advocacy. Some of the key bodies and associations include:

• Indian Ports Association (IPA): The IPA is an apex body representing the major port trusts and private ports
in India. It acts as a forum for sharing best practices, promoting cooperation among ports, and addressing
common challenges faced by the sector.

• Directorate General of Shipping (DGS): DGS is the government agency responsible for implementing and
enforcing maritime regulations and safety standards. It oversees ship registration, seafarer training, and
maritime security.

• Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA): MPEDA is responsible for promoting seafood
exports from India. It supports the fishing and aquaculture industries and ensures compliance with
international quality standards.

• Indian Maritime University (IMU): IMU is a central university dedicated to maritime education, training,
and research. It offers various undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs in maritime studies.
• Customs and Security: Port authorities collaborate with customs and security agencies to facilitate customs
clearance procedures, ensure compliance with import and export regulations, and maintain port security to
prevent unauthorized access and cargo tampering.

• Trade Facilitation: Port authorities promote trade by streamlining procedures, reducing bureaucratic
barriers, and implementing digital platforms for electronic documentation and communication. This helps in
expediting cargo movement and reducing administrative delays.

• Environmental Management: Port authorities are increasingly focusing on sustainable practices. They
manage waste disposal, monitor air and water quality, and implement eco-friendly initiatives to minimize the
environmental impact of port operations.

• Dredging and Maintenance: To maintain adequate water depths for ships to navigate safely, port
authorities oversee dredging operations. They ensure that the navigational channels and berths are regularly
dredged to accommodate various vessel sizes.
• Revenue Generation: Port authorities manage revenue collection through various sources, including
vessel dues, cargo handling charges, berth rentals, and other port-related fees. These funds are reinvested in
infrastructure development and operational improvements.

• 10. Policy Formulation and Advocacy: Port authorities often collaborate with government bodies and
industry associations to develop policies and regulations that promote the growth of the maritime sector.
They advocate for the interests of their respective ports and contribute to national maritime development
strategies.

• 11. Crisis Management: In case of emergencies such as natural disasters or accidents, port authorities
coordinate response efforts, ensure safety measures, and mitigate potential disruptions to port operations.