Classification society DNV GL has expressed concerns over the navigational problems that megaships of 24,000 TEU-capacity may cause when berthing at a port.
The Journal of Commerce reported DNV GL as stating that megaships are in themselves feasible, however, the ultra-large beams they carry may be constrained by a port’s crane outreach and drafts.
This issue is of interest to the industry because of the delays caused by mega-vessels, which are a result of the extra time that is needed to navigate the ships at port.
Arrival delays and terminal stress are two of the problems imposed by megaships as thousands of containers need to be loaded or unloaded in one port call.
Commenting on 24,000 TEU ship-orders, Andrew Penfold, Project Director for Ocean Shipping Consultants, said: “Such vessels, whilst not inevitable, are seen as very likely to be sanctioned in the next three-four years. It seems certain to happen as the add-on cost in contrast to [a] 19,000 TEU (ship) is actually quite limited.”
How feasible are mega ships? (Source: gCaptain)
