Time for change
Maersk 18,000 teu Triple-E class ship is forcing a sea change in ports
Carly Fields talks to Maersk Line about its drive to overhaul shipping and ports as we know it
And Mr Kolding did not disappoint. He spoke of a need for change, of a risk of being overtaken my new technology, and of the challenge of tackling unreliability, complexity and environmental impact.
His “wake-up call” was to encourage ports and terminals to get involved in an industry-wide debate on future-proofing the business to tackle this “urgent need” for change.
“We operate in more or less the same fashion as we did 30 years ago; our customers have been far more sophisticated developing their requirements,” he told delegates, introducing Maersk’s ‘Changing the way we view shipping’ project.
With three core drivers, the project looks to tackle reliability, ease of business and environmental performance.
“Every second container arrives too late today. I couldn’t find an industry with a similar poor performance,” said Mr Kolding, adding that a third of all delays could be attributed to inefficient terminal operations. “Reliability is the new rate war; we need an end-to-end view on reliability.”
Considering the environment, Mr Kolding said that the industry needs transparency: “How can a customer today make an educated choice on who provides the more sustainable service? Transparency is really the only way to drive environmental performance.
“Container shipping is not a commodity and we should not treat it as such. We would like the entire industry to look at what creates value. Only by a joint focus will we be able to make a leap forward in the industry as we did 50 years ago. The journey might be difficult even though the destination is very clear.”
A month on from the launch of the project, Maersk Line vice president, Centre Operations, Søren Toft tells Port Strategy that the response has been “very good and very positive.
“While there can be scepticism, in general customers, suppliers and other stakeholders welcome the call for change and fundamental improvement and we hope others will join our call.” The input of terminals is particularly welcome, says Mr Toft, adding that Maersk welcomes, encourages and supports innovation in terminals.
Offering a rare insight into the psyche of a carrier, Mr Toft highlights some innovations that the line would like to see at tomorrow’s ports and terminals.
“We would like to see things which can generate a quantum leap in productivity at the berth and in handling the vessel from pilot to pilot with the maximum speed, with due regard for safety. The productivity improvements should take place both at the berth (crane speed and increased crane split) as well as around the yard and gate.” He adds that while ships have increased in size over the past 10 years - lifting berth productivity with more cranes working a ship - crane productivity itself has not moved.
“Here,” he says, “a significant change is needed.”
Maersk itself is forcing a sea change in ports with the orders of its Triple-E class ships. At 400 metres in length, with an 18,000 teu capacity through 23 rows across its width, the Triple-E represents the future of container shipping.
“We are certain the right ports will be prepared [for the Triple E] as for the ports this is a good and significant business opportunity. Ports are also starting to focus more on productivity and innovation and it is this collaboration which is required to reach new heights.
“We have close cooperation with our suppliers and we are working with them to ensure the right infrastructure is available for the Triple-E vessels. In terms of size one cannot say we have reached the limit. Just looking in the past tells us that new standards will be set by the passing of time and this could well also be the case for vessel size.”
Another aspect of Maersk’s future plans involves a focus on sustainability, but just how far down the chain do you have to go to maintain corporate sustainability and where do ports fits in that chain?
Mr Toft explains: “Ports also play a role in this chain for Maersk Line and through our ‘responsible procurement’ focus we are gradually working with suppliers to improve standard and compliance. For container ports we are starting to measure and monitor their sustainability performance, for instance whether they use diesel or electrical equipment on the quay and in the yard.”
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