Strategic Issues Facing the Ports of New York and Dubai

The Port of New York, or the terminal in Newark, was the birthplace of containerization, 53 years ago. The steel boxes used in this operation, the containers, remained essentially unchanged, save for minor changes in length and height. The handling of these containers begot the containerized shipping industry, including its two main components: the containership and the container terminal. Both have undergone radical changes in size and technology. These changes are clearly demonstrated in the case of Dubai, which has developed in a relatively short period facilities, equipment and operating systems for accommodating the largest ships afloat. A review of the changes in this industry and of its most important and distinctive features provides a basis for assessing the threats and opportunities facing the Ports of New York and Dubai. Professor Asaf Ashar Director, National Ports and Waterways Institute, University of New Orleans