With the expansion of the Panama Canal almost complete, ports in the eastern United States are bracing for additional port traffic and increased cargo volumes. The Canal’s expansion will allow the passage of ships with up to 14,000 TEUs, almost three times the current capacity. High capacity vessels are expected to shift maritime traffic across vital international lanes.
In preparation, the Port of Virigina, the only US east coast port with authority for 55-foot depth channels, has purchased five new container handlers with each offering materials handling capacities up to 105,000 pounds.