U.S. Ports & Inland Waterways Modernization

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers releases the 'U.S. Port and Inland Waterways Modernization: Preparing for Post-Panamax Vessels' report

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has submitted to Congress the "U.S. Port and Inland Waterways Modernization: Preparing for Post-Panamax Vessels" report, an examination of options for future modernization of U.S. ports and inland waterways. The report may be accessed here.

"Post-Panamax vessels today make up 16 percent of the world's container fleet, but account for 45 percent of the fleet's capacity," said Maj. Gen. Michael J. Walsh, USACE deputy commanding general for Civil Works and Emergency Operations.  "Those numbers are projected to grow significantly over the next 20 years."

"The United States is a maritime nation," continued Walsh.  "This report provides to Congress and the public an analysis of the challenges and opportunities presented by the post-Panamax vessels, and outlines options on how the nation might address the port and inland waterway infrastructure needs required to accommodate these new vessels."

"U.S. Port and Inland Waterways Modernization: Preparing for Post-Panamax Vessels" identifies capacity maintenance and expansion issues associated with the deployment of post-Panamax vessels to trade routes serving U.S. ports.  This identification was accomplished through an evaluation of the future demand for capacity in terms of freight forecasts and vessel size expectations, and an evaluation of the current capacity of the nation's inland waterways and coastal ports.

The report, along with a summary, reflects the information available at the time of its writing.  It addresses the factors Congress identified with chapters on:  Discussion of Demand for Future Capacity, Current Capacity, Evaluating Capacity Maintenance and Expansion, Environmental Impacts of Capacity Expansion, Financing Options for Funding U.S. Port and Inland Waterway Infrastructure Needs, and Additional Considerations.