Although ports are systematically rejigging operational capacity for an expected post-pandemic surge in global trade, recovery preparation is not translating into greenfield investments, Drewry has found.
Reacting to the findings of its most recent Global Container Terminal Operators Annual Review and Forecast, the maritime research consultancy said the majority of the forecast additional capacity would be delivered at existing terminals, with greenfield projects still remaining a low priority for most global operators.
Retrofitting existing terminals, it added, was in favour for now as ports approached hoped-for volume increases with circumspection.
“The leading operators are also investing in digitalisation, recognising that this can increase the speed of movement of boxes through their facilities. Neutral trade platforms such as Trade Lens and GSBN use blockchain technology to streamline the regulatory and financial flows associated with the cargo.”
Author of the report and senior analyst for ports and terminals at Drewry, Eleanor Hadland, remarked that unimpeded cargo flows remained uppermost in the minds of port officials and authorities.
“If via the rollout of blockchain-based technology global terminal operators (GTOs) can achieve higher volumes over the same asset base, this will drive improved returns on investment.”
And while greenfield projects are generally on ice at the moment, mergers and acquisitions are forging ahead through GTO and financial investment momentum.