The consolidation of the ocean container shipping industry into less than 10 major companies is further evidence that the trend to deploy large container ships to US ports will continue. In 2017, we saw the first deployment of a 13,000-TEU ship system to the US East Coast. We expect multiple such ship systems on the US East Coast by May 2018, while the dominant vessel size will be in the 8,000-TEU range.
These ships must get in and out of ports quickly and reliably so that schedules can be maintained. This places a premium on significant and timely port infrastructure investment in the areas of wharf refurbishment; crane capability, in terms of height and berth productivity; additional berth and container marshaling capacity; gate capacity and efficiency; and harbor depth and width. US port infrastructure is expensive when compared to the rest of the world, and the federal government must play its role in such areas as timely harbor deepening funding where it has the responsibility to do so.
Terminals must also work efficiently to ensure that truck capacity is available to handle increasing container volumes in a full employment environment. Truckers deserve to be treated with respect on terminals so that they can earn a proper livelihood. Chassis pooling must continue to evolve so that fleet quality is consistent and not an impediment to efficient trucking operations.
East Coast ports are poised to take an increasing share of US port commerce if these challenges can be met.