As of February 1st there were 153 containerships on order with capacities in excess of 10,000 TEUs, including 20 of the 18,000 TEU capacity EEE Class vessels ordered by Maersk Line, the first of which is expected for delivery next year. There are currently 121 vessels of 10,000 TEU capacity and above in service. “There are issues of structural stiffness, weight, visibility and wind load which all must be taken into account with cranes of such dimensions, along with the question of upgrading existing equipment or installing new cranes entirely” explained Mr. Ross. Improved engineering, camera-assisted and remote control of the crane operations were some of the solutions presented, though increased power requirements may also pose obstacles, particularly in emerging market areas with power generation or supply issues. CES has been playing a major role in maintaining the readiness of the APM Terminals Global Port and Terminal Network for handling ULCVs such as the EEE Class vessels at key load centers and hub facilities. “The point is that ultra-large vessels are already in service, and even larger vessels will follow, and so the time to prepare the necessary terminal and quay infrastructure is now” said Mr. Ross. About APM Terminals – providing the port and inland infrastructure to lift global trade APM Terminals’ Global Terminal Network of ports and inland services provide the necessary infrastructure and support for the increasing growth of international trade, 90% of which travels by sea. International commerce is an economic growth engine, creating jobs, lifting economies and helping to improve people’s lives around the world. We have one goal: to be the best port operator in the world. Our core expertise is the design, construction, management and operation of ports, terminals and inland services. With world headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands, APM Terminals is the world’s leading port and inland operator with 55 operating port facilities in 36 countries and providing Inland Services operations in over 150 locations in 46 countries. APM Terminals press release |