“Mega-vessels can call at only a limited number of ports,” said Jonathan Beard, managing director, GHK (Hong Kong) Ltd, speaking on a panel entitled ‘Maritime and Port Development in the New Global and Economic Era.’ "There is the challenge of 6,000 moves per call. I can see a number of interesting dynamics.”
He said draught and productivity at East African ports meant the loss of the opportunities to capitalise on the movements of the world’s leading shipping lines. He singled out Southern Africa’s largest port for criticism. “Berth productivity at Durban is very poor. It’s blocking the development of trade. In the short-term, that benefits [the GCC] region.”
The world’s largest containership, the Marco Polo, owned by CMA CGM, made its maiden call in Khorfakkan, on the UAE’s eastern seaboard, on 6 January. Volumes at the port rose by 26% in 2012, and officials at terminal operator Gulftainer said the facility was well prepared to handle mega-vessels beyond the 16,000 TEU capacity of the Marco Polo.
Africa is not the only area likely to suffer from growing global transhipment competition for mega-vessel calls. “London Gateway, Rotterdam, Wilhelmshaven, Antwerp, and Le Havre are all gearing up in the northern range. Not everyone is going to win,” Beard said.
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