TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) is a technical measure and an essential tool widely used in maritime logistics. A TEU represents a container that is 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8.5 feet high. This standard size is used to measure the cargo capacity of ships, ports, and other logistics operations. A container ship can carry up to 20,000 TEUs.
What is TEU and How is it Used?
TEU containers standardize supply chain operations, making it easier to calculate transportation costs, plan cargo loads, and assess port performance.
Main Functions and Uses of TEU
- Calculating ship capacity: TEUs provide a standardized unit to measure the capacity of container ships.
- Measuring port efficiency: TEUs help evaluate the cargo volume handled by ports.
- Facilitating intermodal logistics: TEUs can be easily transported by various modes of transportation.
- Simplifying cost management: TEUs allow logistics operators to calculate uniform transport rates.
- Streamlining operations: They accelerate processes at ports and cargo terminals.
Advantages of TEU Containers
- Operational efficiency: The standardized size ensures more efficient logistics operations.
- Organized large-volume transportation: Enable ships to carry high volumes of cargo in an orderly manner.
- Simplified calculations: TEUs make it easier to manage different container sizes at ports and on ships.
Impact of TEU on Ports
This containers are key for measuring port productivity. For example, a port handling 5 million TEUs annually demonstrates high operational capacity. Ports like Shanghai or Singapore are global leaders in this regard.
Difference Between TEUs and FEUs
The main difference between TEUs and FEUs (Forty-foot Equivalent Units) is their size. A TEU is based on a 20-foot container, while an FEU doubles the capacity to 40 feet. Both are critical in maritime transportation, as they increase cargo volume and enhance organization in logistics operations.
