Here’s an invitation to a survey on what we can expect from canal expansion
by Bill Armbruster
In my last column, Scaling up for a Bigger Panamax, I shared my views on whether East and Gulf Coast ports can expect appreciable return on their investment in infrastructure that can handle 12,500-TEU container vessels that will come through the expanded Panama Canal.
Three readers added their views:
Hu Huang says that canal expansion is important to trade. However, the need is not for a bigger canal, but more extensive schedules and more vessels coming to the East Coast via the canal.
Pat Moffett points out the 2002 longshoremen strike on the West Coast caused many shippers, despite initial reservations, to switch to all-water services to the East Coast. Of course, ILA strikes in the East could reverse the trend.
John Fitzgerald adds that Panamax options must be weighed in contingency planning, which has taken on new importance in supply chain strategy since the disruptions of the tsunami and strikes.
Here’s a chance to weigh in – and help get a clearer picture of the changes we can expect from the new Panamax: Scroll down to answer a few short survey questions on what (if any) impact the canal expansion will have on shippers and carriers.
I’ll share the results in my next column.
This survey is powered by SurveyGizmo’s online survey software. Please take my survey now
The opinions expressed in this article are those of its author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views or Descartes Datamyne. In addition, this article is for general information purposes only and it’s not intended to provide legal advice or opinions of any kind and my not be used for professional or commercial purposes. No one should act, or refrain from acting, based solely on this article without first seeking appropriate legal or other professional advice.
