New rule would prohibit 45-foot containers

A controversial plan by the European Union to ban 45-foot containers is causing a ruckus in the maritime transport industry, with ocean carriers, shippers, and ports warning that the move will hamper trade inside the 25-member trade bloc.

For its part, EU officials say the ban will help improve safety on the road and ease congestion. However, opponents argue that the 45-foot containers are used everywhere else in the world and have not been linked to safety hazards. Furthermore, their larger capacity is especially effective in transporting light-weight, bulky goods such as textiles and tools-because they can hold more, they may actually reduce the number of 40-foot containers in use.

It's estimated that there are between 170,000 and 200,000 45-foot containers in service around the world, two-thirds of which will be illegal in the EU at the end of the year.