Containerships: A Point of Departure or a Panacea?

The advent of containerships has revolutionized the world’s shipping industry. In the United States’ struggle to compete for world markets and to improve military logistical support, it must keep abreast of current innovations in sea transport. An examination of the role played by containerships in this new technology must include the exploration of certain key questions. What is the best way to utilize this form of transport? What characteristics should these ships have? What are the best container sizes? Should the ships be self-sustaining, or should they call at ports with discharging facilities? How should companies determine legal problems concerning responsibility when loss occurs? Would developing countries, with limited port facilities derive greater benefits from LASH, Sea Barge, SEABEE, or Helicopter discharged containers? This paper will explore the different facets of these problems facing the shipping industry