Transport and Trade 



United States Ports 



• Reduction in costs of channel dredging and maintenance 



• Reduction in costs of cargo handling 



• Increased speed of cargo handling 



• Reduction in pilferage 



• Reduction in space requirements for terminal facilities 



To the extent these opportunities may be realized, the resulting benefits 

 are: 



— improved service to shippers (frequency, speed, convenience of 



routing) ; 

 — increased contribution to commerce by inducements to traffic that 



would not otherwise occur; 

 — ^increased U.S. maritime presence and reduction in the U.S. balance 

 of payments deficit by larger U.S. flag participation in our foreign 

 trade ; 

 — better articulation of port functions with other urban activities re- 

 sulting in improved economic effectiveness in the use of port space 

 and in enhanced habitability around the port areas. 

 In addition to potential contributions to the merchant marine, research 

 and development for improved ship design may contribute to domestic fash- 

 ing, development of non-living resources, and ocean exploration. A very large 

 proportion of the cost for scientific expeditions and military or commercial 

 ventures at sea goes for vessel construction and operations so that any 

 advances in merchant vessel economy and performance pay multiple 

 dividends. 



The technological characteristics of maritime transport are changing, 

 and they interact with the institutional framework in such matters, for ex- 

 ample, as ship automation. Research and development directed toward 

 the above opportunities should increase the range of options open, define 

 trade-oflfs with respect to both dollar and social costs, and assist in the most 

 appropriate ordering of decisions. 



As noted above, port terminals are a critical element of the system. Thus, 

 consideration of maritime commerce encompasses the other needs for water- 

 front property occupied by ports (usually in the heart of large cities) and 

 maritime development related to urban development and renewal. 



Federal Activities in Maritime Transportation Development 



The Federal Government provides essential research, planning and safety 

 services and support systems to facilitate private maritime transportation. 

 To put these activities in perspective, some $40 billion in water-borne U.S. 

 foreign trade is supported by a group of Federal activities costing about 



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