Versatile Container Vessel

Imagine, for a second, a train entering the port of Las Angeles. It doesn't come by land, but by sea! Hundreds, if not in the thousands, of containers are linked together inside of simple empty boat sections. Now, the math is quite beyond me, but how would one calculate which one is more efficient: (a) A traditional container ship's inefficiency due to required water displacement while moving forward, or (b) the friction loss of hundreds of containerized vessel-sections, in a train-like configuration. The fuel savings is one thing (if it actually saves fuel), but there are other considerations: Port requirements: With the widening of the Panama Canal, super-sized container vessels will become more commonplace and the depth and berthing requirements may simply be too burdensome for many ports that wish to compete for import/export business. With a train of containers, (2 high x 2 wide, or single), ports might easily accommodate. Onloading/Offloading time: Currently, huge cranes and gantries onload and offload each container while workers secure each individual container to the vessel. Imagine a port that had a long canal section meant for long container train vessels. It would allow each container to be accessed within the hour instead of waiting for each container to be taken out individually. Containers could processed quickly as the train moves slowly past unloading equipment that is more assembly (disassembly?) line than anything. Now towering cranes required, and it could be as simple as having a large forklift pierside for loading/unloading.

Downsides would include less-than-desirable seaworthiness, and maritime traffic jams. Imagine not being able to navigate your ship for hours because a sea- train is entering/leaving port, or even traversing open ocean!