Container Handling in Mainports: A Dilemma about Future Scales (Rijsenbrij)

This study pack contains Chapter 7 from The Future of Intermodal Freight Transport: Operations, Design and Policy (Edward Elgar, 2008), authored by Joan Rijsenbrij. The chapter examines the challenges of container handling at major seaports amid growing global cargo volumes, larger vessels, and demands for higher productivity at lower cost. It discusses economies of scale in shipping, terminal design decisions (quay walls, cranes, gate systems, automation), and the dilemmas facing terminal operators, port authorities and inland transport providers. Students use this material to understand containerization trends, performance pressures, and strategic choices for future terminal scales and technology.