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Humans have always needed to transport goods of all kinds, including food, construction materials, and raw materials for making tools and weapons. For thousands of years, the majority of heavy or bulky cargo was transported by sea, particularly through coastal navigation, and by river. Shaped by these anthropological requirements, civilisations frequently developed in coastal areas, including the entire Mediterranean region, and along navigable rivers such as the Nile. Since antiquity, efforts have been made to extend areas accessible to boats by adjusting the course of rivers and digging canals. Ports played a critical role in civilisations and provided a focus for trade.