For the first time since early 2002, a significant quantity of new vessels is being delivered from world shipyards.

I consider myself lucky to have played for him. He taught me lessons about life, how the attention to the small things means so much. It was always a learning situation when you were around coach Boyd.

Clearly China is going to be a primary cargo generator for shipping -- it's in the cards. That means competitive access in China's ports is a very serious issue for lines carrying cargo in and out of the country.

It was like a ghost town when we played at home. Everything closed -- barber shops, restaurants, everything would literally close down for the game. Coal mining was what everyone did. People would actually call off their shifts to come and watch us play.

It's a strange situation to have one set of regulations in one port and not in others, isn't it?

It would certainly give a short-term boost to the shipping industry, ... There is a certain inflow of equipment, so they would need shipping tonnage, a lot like the Persian Gulf war situation. Sea-Land would be in the pole-position.

The trade is locked into the West Coast - alternatives are limited. Work actions are bound to have an impact.

We had three fantastic years; you have to pay for those along the line. There will be a period where profits will be under pressure. But our numbers say globally it shouldn't be a collapse.

When you look at the percentage of trade moving through the U.S. West Coast, it's pretty serious.

There are not as many people here as in the past, but I think there are a lot more on the way. I think the city will really be jammed.