Development on shore side
Another impact on shipping traffic lanes will be the specific developments of ports. As mentioned before, ports which are willing to invest in LNG bunker facilities will attract LNG fuelled vessels. Ports that are able to accept unmanned vessels are ready for the future.The growing number of port development projects recognises the need to shift economies and social structures towards more sustainable models. The development of a new or extended port layout requires adequate attention to a number of aspects that guarantee both sustainable port growth and a healthy ecosystem functioning. There is a need for innovative solutions for port development which are in harmony with the ecosystem and robust or adaptable under change by the same time. Through an integrated and ecosystem-based approach, port development can be realized in an inclusive way, providing an economic, environmental and social vital port.
The four keys for the ports of the future are:
- Size
- Speed
- Smart
- Sustainable
Ships are getting bigger and ports will need to be able to adapt to and accept mega ships, otherwise companies will decide to go to more sophisticated ports.
All ships arriving at ports are short in time, as time is usually money. Thus, ports need to be effective and efficient in their handling of ships and must be loaded and unloaded in the shortest time possible.
To be as quick as possible, ports need to be smart and innovative. Unmanned services like automatic straddle carriers can work 24/7. Ships are becoming more technological and ports need to follow suit to make sure that they can provide equal services.
There is a general pressure on every activity to be greener and more sustainable. Ships are becoming eco-friendlier and ports need to adapt as well.