THE move by all major carriers towards ever mega ships in the pursuit of economies of scale is not always matched by speed of port handling, says Drewry Maritime Research.
To achieve faster turnaround time, the key is gantry crane intensity across the ship, which means achieving the maximum number of cranes deployed alongside during a port call.
TEU intake has been rising, but the mega ship tends to become deeper and wider rather than longer. Thus fewer cranes can be deployed. "If and when ships of 22,000-24,000 TEU are built, length overall will be a key factor in port performance," said Drewry analysts.
Moves per hour per crane matters too. The speed of feeding containers to and from the yard and crane is crucial for quick turnarounds and the more yard gear per crane there is the faster the throughput is likely to be, said Drewry.
OPINION
30 September 2013 - 22:05
Mega ships wider, deeper, but longer means faster turnarounds: Drewry
THE move by all major carriers towards ever mega ships in the pursuit of economies of scale is not always matched by speed of port handling, says Drewry Maritime Research.
OPINION
30 September 2013 - 22:05
Mega ships wider, deeper, but longer means faster turnarounds: Drewry
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