Mega Vessels and Quay Walls

Abstract

In 2011, the shipping company Maersk announced Triple-E class ships, expected to be the world's largest ships in service. Following this, 22,000 TEU container ships may become a future reality. This proposed evolution in vessel size will necessitate engineering evaluation of most modern ports to determine the capacity to receive these mega vessels. Basic infrastructure, such as the entrance channels, basins, turning circles, and the berthing and waiting areas in a port, must have adequate capacity. Quay walls, jetties, etc. must have sufficient strength to berth and moor these mega vessels safely while supporting heavier quay cranes with longer outreaches. Recently constructed infrastructure in the Port of Rotterdam, designed for Suezmax vessels, was examined to determine if there is sufficient reserve capacity to cope with the much larger 22,000 TEU vessels. The conclusion was that growth in vessel size had been anticipated during the design phase. Therefore, relatively small adaptations were required in the infrastructure. In some scenarios, operational limitations could be imposed to compensate for increased ship dimensions and associated capacity requirements.