Cargo-handling equipment

Abstract

Cargo handling is an extensive subject and primarily involves the interface between the ship and port. The degree of efficiency attained to maximize cargo throughput at a berth, quicken ship turn-round time in port and minimize cargo-handling cost overall affects the development of international trade and cost of the international distribution of goods. Port managements throughout the world are becoming more conscious of the need to provide modern equipped berths with their attendant capital-intensive cargo-handling techniques involving low labour content as a means of increasing their general competitiveness and encouraging trade through their port. Modern berths with modern cargo-handling systems attract modern tonnage, thereby offering competitive international transport distribution services. Failure of a port to modernize its berths and attendant cargo-handling systems will encourage shipowners and shippers to use other ports where practicable/possible.