The very large container ships (14,000 TEU’s* or larger) were supposed to help commerce – they have not because they go against all lean principles:
- They steam slower (18 vs. 24 knots)
- They take longer to unload (not just the number of containers but how far cranes need to reach)
- When they are unloading, ports get congested and slow down – witness the shortage of chassis
- The combination of these factors drives inventory up
Summary: smaller, more frequent faster sailings would be better for everybody except the steamship lines who see lower operating costs with these mighty ships.
*TEU – number of 20 ft containers they can carry
*TEU – number of 20 ft containers they can carry