Ports Today
Ports today
Ports today work in a very competitive environment. There are
many reasons for this. The ports are chasing fewer ships: a single
container ship in 2003 does the work that in the 1960s required a
dozen conventional cargo ships. Because the ships are bigger, ports
need to deepen their water access and provide bigger facilities.
Many ports have lost their traditional trade, such as exporting
coal, and have to compete for other cargoes. Owners and shippers
expect their ships to be turned round in the shortest possible
time. UK ports also face competition from Europe. A container unloaded
from an ocean-going ship in Rotterdam can be hoisted onto a smaller
ship or onto a train or truck and be in the UK next day. The
motorway network means that goods can be carried very quickly, so a
shipper does not necessarily use his nearest port. 
 `Seven Seas Bridge` container ship at Southampton
Container Terminal |
The British ports that have been most successful in competing
for container traffic are Southampton and Felixstowe. They have had
to continually expand to provide deeper water and bigger berths for
container ships, which continue to grow in size. This has required
expensive dredging of the approach channels. Extra quay space is
needed to store containers because the ships cannot be kept
waiting. Plans for expansion have brought ports into conflict with bodies
concerned about protecting the environment. For instance, it is
argued that dredging may mean birds lose feeding grounds on mud
banks. The port might respond by providing other areas for birds to
feed, perhaps on what once were fields. There are also concerns
about pollution. With more ships using the port, the chance of oil
or dangerous cargo being spilt increases. On the other hand, water
transport is easily the least harmful to the environment. It is
very fuel efficient, reducing use of fossil fuel and minimising
emission of greenhouse gases. Often, it falls to the government to
make the difficult decision about letting port development go
ahead. Ports have a fascinating history, linked closely with trade,
geography, inland transport and industry. They have a vital role in
the country`s economy, and invariably become particularly important
at times of war. They also have an exciting future, although not
without controversy about their expansion.
|
