A Bumper Package

Whose problems are they is a fundamental question?

Container terminals are often ‘put in the dock’ in this respect – guilty without trial as they say!

A good ‘defence attorney’ can, however, soon unveil this proposition for what it is – largely spin or as certain ebullient character used to spout ‘fake news.’

Essentially, the case for the defence usually has a good shot at exploding this myth by detailing how problems along the supply chain manifest themselves in the container terminal sector while they are not container terminal generated – late arriving vessels, truck driver shortages and parties exploiting the low characteristics of terminal storage when it is at a premium elsewhere.

Various terminals around the world have been successful at overcoming many of the significant challenges posed by congestion – a fact often overlooked a media environment where bad news is good news!

In this issue, we consider generally the levels of challenge in conjunction with congestion, the steps that can be taken to overcome problems and initiate a rolling series of Case Studies intended to share experience for the benefit of all concerned. First up is the Manila International Container Terminal which continues to experience new dimensions of challenge.

Congestion is also a big factor in our coverage of northern European containerport operations and development plans. A lot of effort is being directed at piling on new capacity – with MSC’s Terminal Investments Limited being at the forefront of this, a major new facility in Rotterdam and a much bigger presence in Le Havre being key examples.

BREXIT two years on and emerging trend lines also comes into our focus, paying particular attention to trade between the UK and Europe. The structure of trade is changing, there is less accompanied ro-ro traffic, unaccompanied ro-ro has increased its market share and short-sea lo-lo also emerges as a winner. There will be plenty to discuss in this sector overall at Port Strategy’s affiliated Coastlink Conference, scheduled to take place in the port city of Liverpool, 3-4 May 2023 and hosted by Peel Ports.

If finance is your focus or terminal acquisitions then a must read is Terminal Valuation Moves.

The October 2022 issue of Port Strategy is busy both in terms of volume and wide-ranging coverage. We trust, as always, it will play a valuable part in fulfilling your information needs and would welcome any thoughts you may have regarding future areas of coverage.