Bigger vessels: How big is too big?

Growth in container liner traffic has been high for several decades and current growth rates are expected to continue, putting pressure on ports and liner companies to increase investment. Several factors are pushing up the capacity of new buildings, and bigger, rather than more, ships alleviate pressure on ports. But ship operating cost benefits will be eroded unless cargo handling performance can be upgraded. Because of physical inhibitions in existing facilities the recent pace at which lines have increased the size of the biggest ships operating seems likely to plateau in the next few years.