Some Observations on Port Congestion, Vessel （一些观察港口拥堵,船）.pdf

Some Observations on Port Congestion, Vessel Size and Vessel Sharing Agreements May 28, 2015 Following labor disruptions on the U.S. West Coast in late 2014 and early 2015, as well as less dramatic port congestion issues in Europe and Asia, delays to containerized cargo movement and port congestion have been a subject of understandable interest. The efficiency of the international containerized cargo transportation system is an important economic issue, and there are many elements that affect the continued efficient flow of containerized cargo. Some recent discussions of port congestion have cited the increase in average vessel size and the rise of multi-partner shipping alliances as causes of port congestion. The aim of this short paper is to support a fact driven analysis of the impact of vessel size and alliances on port congestion. Port congestion can and does arise from multiple causes. Closer dialogue and joint problem solving is what is needed to address those issues, and solutions will not be found by pointing fingers. Every participant in the supply chain will have a role to play. 1. Port Congestion is a Multi-Faceted Issue Justifiable frustration over port congestion, especially on the U.S. West Coast, exists within all segments of the transportation community. Exporters, importers, ocean carriers, marine terminal operators, truckers, and railroads all experience additional costs when cargo and equipment does not move efficiently through the terminals and when there is congestion. Ocean carriers, port authorities, marine terminal operators and others are actively working to reduce congestion pressures. Port congestion can arise from multiple caus