Container Port Improvements Create Investment Opportunities

The Panama Canal is being expanded, and is set for completion in 2014. This extensive project, will enable larger ships to transport more shipping containers, all over the world. This economic development, has many countries excited and preparing for a "new age," of global trade.

However, there is one major concern. Bigger cargo ships can only serve the bigger container ports. Therefore, in order for most of the existing ports to be able to handle the larger ships, countries around the world will have to create or upgrade their container port facilities; in order to properly receive them. In an effort to capitalize on the forecasted increase in world trade, some governments and private investors are investing millions of dollars, in shipping ports, harbors and channels, as well as shipping container investing; to meet the projected demand.  Regrettably though, to date there are only a few international ports in the world, that are able to benefit; from the industry's most recent advancements.

With that being said, along with the expansion of international shipping ports, comes an opportunity for innovation. Container ships must be built bigger and more efficient to handle larger cargo loads. As well, new equipment must be designed to handle the increase of shipping container traffic, at the ports. Therefore, as the shipping industry moves forward into the future, investors should look for opportunities to invest in the new and existing technologies; that will drive the industry's long-term success.