In recent years there has been moderate annual growth in global container handling volumes – reaching around 700 million TEU in 2017. Meanwhile, the capacity of the world container vessel fleet has increased considerably to over 20 million TEU.
Shipping lines are also increasingly operating in global alliances, giving them scope to optimize their services and increase their buying power. For container terminals this has resulted in noticeable reductions in handling rates, larger operational peaks and more idle time in waterside operations.
Shipping lines and inland transportation companies now require terminals to increase their handling performance and provide predictable, shorter turnaround times. In the big picture governments, port authorities and society at large are demanding greater environmental control, sustainable design and the use of renewable energy. The use of casual labour is diminishing and terminal operators are…
