And those needs are changing rapidly. Scheduled containership service has a unique set of operational considerations that influence port-development economics.
Carriers are in a highly capital-intensive sector.
Whether there is significant cargo to be picked up or delivered, the ship arrives and departs every port as scheduled. On a per-voyage basis, revenue is highly variable. It can easily be eroded by fluctuations in exchange rates, inflation, wage levels, fuel prices, changes in government policies, and so on. Most freight bookings are made within 90 days of sailing and often within 30. Supply and demand also play a role in carriers' costs and long-term investment decisions.