As we head into 2009, most questions revolve around how long the economic downturn will last and when robust growth will return to the container and automobile trades. There are few people who will accurately forecast this, although nearly all of us in the marine industry agree that strong growth will return.
Private marine port operators have an opportunity to help plan for that future growth and ensure that we are ready to accommodate larger vessels and increased trade when the good times return.
It is quite possible that the increasing pressure on public finances and the financial credit squeeze will curtail public projects. This presents an opportunity for the private sector to step in to plan for greater capacity at existing facilities and to take forward some of the better-planned infrastructure projects from the public sector.
The successful completion of the ILWU negotiations in 2008 allows the increased use of technology at West Coast terminals. This is needed to plan for the discharge, handling and yard storage for 11,000-TEU container vessels and new ultra-large car carriers.
We must use this downturn period to plan increased capacity at existing facilities handling fewer larger vessels. We have a window to successfully make U.S. terminals efficient by European and other international measures. As construction in the physical development of terminals is reduced, planning and investing in more efficiency and higher capacity at existing facilities will generate considerable room. This should ensure that our marine port industry is ready for the future.