Growth in container port demand has accelerated in south Asia and the Middle East in recent years, driven by strong oil prices, India's deregulation and investment boom, as well as the region's integration into the major east-west trades, according to a study.
The Ocean Shipping Consultants report analyses the demand for container handling at ports and forecasts demand to 2020. "Whilst demand is very strong in India, the capabilities of its ports and terminals remain limited, and the connectivity of these facilities with major hinterland markets is under mounting pressure," it said.
"Planned major investment will need to be realised [in India] to accommodate anticipated growth, and coping with congestion will require a transformation of terminal productivity," said the report.
The report went on to say that by contrast investment in the Gulf region in new container facilities is "running at very high levels, with oil wealth being directed into intense infrastructure programmes. Here, the danger may be of overcapacity".
A brochure detailing the study can be downloaded from the OSC website at: http://www.osclimited.com/Containerport_ME_2020/Containerport_ME_2020.pdf
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