Customers, containers and congestion
Morten Engelstoft: COO of Maersk Line
Making sure a terminal is able to run at its peak efficiency is the first thing port operators should strive for when seeking to eliminate congestion, according to the chief operating officer of the world's largest container shipping company.
"When we promise, we must deliver. The design of our network is fundamental to the service we give, and congestion impacts our efficiency. Alternative routes may have to be found for sensitive cargoes, and reefer cargoes may have to be discharged at another port and be moved onwards by rail or even truck," he said.
Such problems have a detrimental impact on environmental performance too. "There is no doubt that port congestion uses extra fuel. We may have to speed up to keep to schedules, or use alternative routes for sensitive cargoes. Congestion leads to increased carbon dioxide emissions."
Going forward, development of ports and their hinterland infrastructure in a way that eliminates congestion is a task for all stakeholders working together, he says. "In some ports, national and regional governments play an important role, but the level of co-operation differs around the world. It is important that there is co-operation amongst all stakeholders to remove all blockages.
"We must all take part in being innovative and taking on new technologies," he adds.Images for this article - click to enlarge
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