INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT

      Services offered at seaports

      Port Authorities, e.g. Port of Singapore Authority, are responsible for maintaining the efficiency of the port. They may provide the following facilities:

Ø  dock facilities to enable ships to dock, load, unload, fuel and be repaired

Ø  good transport connections inland - linking the port by road and rail networks

Ø  mechanised handling facilities - gantries, cranes, pumps for unloading

Ø  warehousing, bonded warehousing and offices for shipping companies, customs, immigration

Ø  ship repair yards - dry docks

Ø  deep water access - pilots, dredging, navigational aids specialised facilities for handling certain types of cargo, e.g. container handling equipment

Ø  security and emergency facilities

      Efficient seaport facilities are important because they enable ships to ‘turnaround quickly’ so cutting dock and freight costs. They enable goods to be imported and exported efficiently so increasing the volume of world trade

      Services offered at airports

      Airport authorities are responsible for maintaining the efficiency of the an airport. They may provide the following facilities -

Ø  services for passengers, e.g. lounges, toilets, shops, trolleys, walkways, restaurants etc

Ø  security and emergency services, e.g. X-ray, security people, fire service, first aid and health facilities

Ø  areas for customs and immigration to function

Ø  warehousing and bonded warehousing

Ø  hangars, refuelling and repair facilities for aircraft

Ø  facilities for various airlines operating at the airport, e.g. storage, offices, desks in the airport

Ø  communication facilities air traffic control

Ø  runways

Ø  links with the city they serve, e.g. road, rail, monorail, helicopter