Challenges and Issues for U.S. Ports: Impact of the Next GenerationContainerships and Carrier Alliances on Commercial Ports and Military Operations

摘要

The emergence of the next generation containerships (mega ships) and globalshipping line alliances will bring about fundamental changes in the operational framework and infrastructure of many U.S. ports. By all indications the end result will be more a streamlined and competitive container industry where ocean carriers will operate with load center and feeder port configurations. For many ports, this new environment will dictate addressing the problems of inefficiencies in productivity, landslide access congestion, and dredging in order to remain competitive. From the military perspective, the changing environment and problems facing the ports may limit accessibility and availability at the nation's strategic seaports. This thesis examines the issues of the changing port environment and impact on military throughput. It also explores the automation and technological concepts available or being developed which can improve military efficiency.