Developments in the dimension of maritime containers and their consequences for road, rail maritime and inland waterways transport in Africa

Abstract

The growing concern in changes in container dimensions made it necessary for the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) to convene the first global seminar in November 1989 on the impact of increasing dimensions of loading units on combined transport. The seminar resolved that a long-term strategy on maximum dimensions of loading units taking into account all modes of transport, handling equipments and related infrastructure should be prepared. It was agreed at that time that such a long-term strategy must be both realistic and forward looking i.e. take into account: (a) The considerable investments made in combined transport equipment and infrastructure, all over the world and; (b) The emerging general trade needs and technological developments. ECA participated in the second seminar and the purpose of this document is to bring to the attention of African countries, through the African Regional Standardization Organization, Port Management Associations and other relevant sub regional organizations dealing with transport facilitation; the impact of larger containers on the various transport modes m Africa. The document can also be used by some transport training institutions in Africa as a basis for highlighting problems of standardization in containers and container transport.