With leading carriers rumoured to be assessing possible contracts for new container ships of nearly 11,000 teu, there seems to be no let-up in the drive for size and the economies of scale that are perceived to exist. As container vessels deployed on the world's arterial routes continue to increase in size, there are significant implications for the ports that serve them. Indeed, there are few so-called container 'hubs' that are not engaged in a constant drive to improve facilities - both in terms of channel access, depth of water alongside, berth capacity, craneage, land-side handling equipment, logistics software and of course space.
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