Mega-ships and industry consolidation are seen by some as an evolution toward greater efficiency, but what impact are these trends having on ports that are focused on more niche services or have infrastructure limitations? These modern day challenges mean many ports must rethink the tools offered to shippers to ensure goods keep moving efficiently.
All ports have their limitations. But what happens when geography or economics prevent you from having a 20,000-TEU vessel call? There is still a need to create an efficient trade path for agricultural products, new technology, and consumer goods to reach international markets.
To support regional shippers, river ports must play to their strengths and be willing to try new approaches to maximize the ability to serve niche markets. We acknowledge that we’re not likely to return to previous levels of container traffic and, instead, we must remake our future by offering regional shippers new options for moving their oceanbound goods via rail shuttle, direct container service, mixed cargo vessels, air freight, and inland barging.
We also need to be open to new ideas as the industry continues to evolve. As some West Coast ports struggle with congestion and backups at their container terminals, why not consider specialized, high-value services to bypass congestion? Creating a point-to-point service could promise more reliability and accuracy.
As the global fleet positions itself with a bigger-is-better mentality and the challenges that brings, we must find ways to strengthen our own niche. Our shippers depend on it.