These major maritime corridors serve vital purposes of the international trade and connections between various oceans and continents. For this reason and the almost constant passage by merchant and oil tankers-their strategic prime importance-the most important being:
1. The Suez Canal-
This is located in Egypt and connects the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.This is a passage important for ships traveling between Europe and Asia, avoiding going all the way around the African continent.One of the fastest waterways to connect Europe and Asia.
2_ Strait of Hormuz
between Arabian Gulf and Arabian Sea.
It is considered a strategic chokepoint as 20 percent of oil supply in the world passes through it. It is utilized by oil Tankers of rich oil countries like Saudi Arabia, U.A.E, and Iraq.
3_ Strait of Malacca
Strait of malacca This is located between Malaysia and the Islands of Indonesia. It is an essential entry point for neighboring Asian countries particularly China, Japanese, Middle Eastern and Europe nations. It is amongst the most highly used waterways worldwide.
4_ The Bosphorus Strait
The posphorus Also located in Turkey, it links the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara, then flows into the Mediterranean Sea. The path has meaning for the movement of traffic between, especially Europe and Asia, Russia, and the Black Sea- coastal countries.
5_ panama Canal
The Panama Canal is located in the country of Panama, where the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean meet. This waterway is critical for ships traveling to the Americas to avoid the lengthy and hazardous detour around South America (Cape Horn). These waterways are important for the movement of goods and fuel, and affect political stability and security.