The Strategic Importance of Major Man-Made Sea Canals for Global Trade: Environmental, Economic, and Social Impacts

The book focuses on the most significant man-made sea canals in the context of their strategic importance for maritime global trade. It provides insights into how these canals serve as key supply chains for industries, trade, and the provision of food and energy, emphasizing their central role in sustainability and the world’s major shipping routes.Providing a comprehensive introduction to how canals have influenced society, trade, and transport while placing them in the broader context of their strategic importance for maritime global trade through sustainability, the book offers insights and practical understanding of how canals manage the needs of the planet, the viability of financial systems, and human well-being to meet human, economic, and logistical needs. The driving forces behind and examples of major canal projects are explored, and the book invites reflection on how human interventions in nature with the subsequent use of large resources affect the landscape at the intersection of future transport needs and environmental concerns to ensure economic development.Students and the public interested in canals, economic or logistical challenges between continents and nations, and in the context of global sustainability goals, will easily access necessary information on these topics, including industries such as ship operators, charterers, ports, industry, and maritime service providers, as well as international organizations and governmental institutions, for updates related to international maritime trade and the important role of canals.

About the Author

John Erik Hagen has broad international maritime experience, including coordinator of the International Maritime Organization’s work on the e-Navigation Strategy Implementation Plan. He has a university degree, has been a naval officer, director-general, and regional director of the Norwegian Coastal Administration and is the author of books on e-Navigation and sustainability for shipping. John Erik Hagen has been chairman of the Board of Directors of the Norwegian bank Haugesund Sparebank, and was chairman of the Board of Directors of one of the largest ports in Norway, Karmsund Port Authority.