Hutchison declines to comment, but Modern Terminals, the biggest of the smaller operators, rejects such talk.

ECONOMIST: Ports in a storm

Unlike the Singaporeans, however, both Hutchison and Modern Terminals hope that they can benefit from the rise of new rivals.

ECONOMIST: Ports in a storm

In addition to developing hotels and shopping centers, Wheelock is also involved in cable television and owns more than two-thirds of Modern Terminals, a southern China shipping operator.

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