The new analysis of the international container port market, "Global Container Terminals: Profit, Performance, and Prospects," has been published by Drewry Shipping Consultants of London.
Container throughput at world ports is forecast to increase by an average of 6.6% per year, reaching more than 360 million TEU by 2007, the report says. As a result, average global container port utilization levels are forecast to increase from 69.9% in 2001 to more than 80% by 2007.
According to the report, highest utilization levels are projected for South Asia, where despite several large projects currently under discussion lack of confirmed capacity expansion plans, combined with strong forecasted growth in throughput, will see demand exceed supply by 2007.
The report also warned that if current performance and utilization levels are maintained, by 2007, the industry will need to have invested almost US$14 billion to provide the 144 km of additional quayline, 930 ship-to-shore cranes, and more than 5,000 hectares of container yard that would be required to meet forecasted global demand. For full details of the analysis, contact Drewry Shipping Consultants at 44-020-7538-0191, or visit www.drewry.co.uk.
