Vannvei

Vannvei, or waterway, is a navigable route that allows vessels to travel between places. It includes both natural channels such as rivers, lakes and fjords, and artificial channels such as canals. The term encompasses routes used for commercial shipping, inland transport, ferry services, fishing, and recreation. The suitability of a waterway for navigation depends on factors such as depth, width, current, tides or ice, and the presence of navigation aids.

Natural waterways can be dynamic, with changes in sedimentation and flow; canals are engineered with locks, dredging, and controlled water levels. Waterways may be classified by the served area: inland waterways (rivers and lakes) and sea or coastal waterways; international and domestic usage.

Waterways support freight and passenger transport, connect settlements, and contribute to tourism and leisure. They also influence harbor operations, port planning, and supply chains.

Waterways are typically managed by state or regional authorities, responsible for maintenance, navigation rights, dredging, marking, and safety regulations. Operators may require pilots, licenses, or permits; traffic control and weather conditions affect operations.

Waterways have long been central to trade and settlement. Modern priorities include balancing navigation with ecosystems, energy interests, and climate resilience, addressing issues such as water level variation, habitat protection, and invasive species.