Cost and performance evaluation impacts of container ships on seaport container terminals: An update

Abstract

The subject of this chapter is a method of evaluating costs and performance of container ships as means of transport in the main part of the intermodal transport chain for ISO containers. The rational is the continuous development in the size of container ships, the infrastructure development to cater for them and the strong variations in bunker prices over the past years. Furthermore, the complete transport chain development with pre- and on-carriage cannot be seen as risk-free. The method described will make clear that the factors for success or lack of success for large container ships can be found almost exclusively in the ports and their hinterland infrastructure in combination with the general loop design.