US port infrastructure ranked behind Iceland and Estonia
Investment to dredge the harbors of ports such as Charleston (pictured|) is essential in the upgrade of US port infrastructure, claims Rendell. Image: South Carolina Ports Authority
-
Elected officials call for increased funding to help modernize US facilities
-
World Economic Forum now ranks US port infrastructure as 22nd in the world
The condition of port infrastructure in the United States was further realized this week with claims that its port development is falling behind countries including Iceland and Estonia.
The subject was at the forefront of a recent policy forum attended by a coalition of elected officials from the Building America’s Future Educational Fund (BAF) and Jacksonville’s Chamber of Commerce, the JAX Chamber, to highlight the need for continued investment in the country’s port infrastructure.
“Other countries understand that port innovation and capacity is key to competitiveness in an export-driven economy,” former Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, and BAF co-chair, told the IFW.
“The World Economic Forum now ranks US port infrastructure 22nd in the world, behind such countries as Iceland and Estonia.”
During his keynote speech, Rendell noted how the 59 busiest ports in America were only operable 35 percent of the time. As a result US ports have experienced notable delays and backlogs, which have increased the cost of goods going in and out of the country considerably.
“Policy-makers in Washington need to make smart infrastructure investments a priority, because if we don’t, we will only fall further behind the rest of the world.”
A key area of investment highlighted by Rendell was the dredging of US harbors in preparation for the completion of Panama Canal expansion in 2014.
Rendell stressed that unless necessary funding was provided then the country could face the prospect of losing millions of dollars of trade, as shipping companies seek alternative ports in neighboring countries capable of handling the larger ships that will navigate the Panama Canal from 2014.
“We need joint federal, state, local and private investment to turnaround America’s infrastructure. It is something that cannot wait,” Rendell told the IFW.
Subscribe to our newsletter!
PTI Journal
-
Edition 52
In the 52nd edition of PTI we look at factors affecting the TCO in equipment procurement, draw up safety checklists for quay cranes and mooring operations, and take a look at the Port of Long Beach's new multi-sensor port security system.
 |
|
 |
 |
