Foldable shipping containers an answer to port congestion?
As we move into the post-pandemic era, where there will be less commerce - port productivity should increase. However this increase will come at a price, as the cost of labour
Furthermore the use of foldable containers can have significant impact on the cost of shipping. Shipping companies can save the additional costs of handling and carrying empty containers when they call at a port and the additional capacity in the ship can be used for extra cargo.
Using primary and secondary data sources the pros and cons of using foldable containers as compared to standard containers are identified, and it is shown that a port can gain cost efficiencies by using foldable containers.
A simulation for the Port of Melbourne (Australia) demonstrates that using foldable containers would reduce the projected total number of containers handled by the port in 2035 from 7.057 million to 5.817 million, with an 80% decrease in the number of empty containers.
Furthermore, given that port terminals or container depots may not have the right equipment for the folding and unfolding of the containers, shipping lines may be hesitant to adopt the technology and this may lead to other issues such as lower durability and high purchasing costs of foldable containers (Ng, 2012).
PDF version includes complete article with source references. Suitable for printing and offline reading.
Download detailed specifications, case studies, and technical data sheets for our ESS containers and containerized PV systems.
15 Rue des Énergies Renouvelables
Paris 75015, France
+33 1 84 83 72 76
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM CET