Container ship size: which dimensions can be expected?

Abstract

Since the container ship was born, we have seen an impressive increase in order to get advantage of the economies of scale. In the last two decades, the capacity of vessels has been trebled. Currently, vessels of 23,000 TEU (20-foot equivalent unit) sail the seas. Despite the exponential growth experienced in this sector, individuals question if it is possible to reach a peak capacity, as has occurred with bulk cargo vessels and, recently, aircraft. This paper aims to predict the possible size and dimensions of a new generation of mega container ships. Based on economy of scale, port infrastructure, demand and environmental trends and naval design criteria the limit ship size has been estimated. The results suggest that it is still possible additional increases of the ship size. This paper allow Port Authorities to understand the needs of shipping container industry and to figure out the expansion and investment necessary.