Source: Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue, 2010.

The Maher Terminal Overlooking the Bayonne Bridge

The Bayonne Bridge was built in 1931 and crosses the Kill Van Kull Channel, which is the only access to the Newark Bay where the bulk of the container terminals in the Port of New York and New Jersey are located. With a clearance of about 155 feet (47.2 meters), it can accommodate containerships up to a range of 7,000 to 8,000 TEU, depending on their load configuration, but not those above 10,000 TEU. It is thus underlined that future growth prospects of the port of New York and New Jersey could be compromised by a lack of clearance.

On the above photo, the portainers of the Maher Terminal at the forefront and the APM Terminal (in blue) in the background underline the contradiction between modern terminal equipment and a bridge built close to 80 years ago. The indication, which is conveyed by the port community, is that the bridge "needs a lift".