by Salvatore R. Mercogliano, Ph.D - There are many issues that impact the American maritime industry and the merchant marine, and trying to develop a comprehensive strategy is a daunting challenge. When one tries to get all the pieces to work together into one synergetic being, the littlest issue can sometimes take down the whole structure, á la Jenga. … [Read more...]
Interview: Port of Rotterdam’s Ben van Scherpenzeel Talks Containers, Efficiency, Blockchain and More
Interview by Paul González-Morgan of Marine Strategy - Ben van Scherpenzeel, Director Nautical Developments, Policy & Plans at the Port of Rotterdam, is passionate about continuous improvement with a focus on ports and shipping in every aspect: nautical, logistical, economical and social. Ben’s past experience onboard vessels of Shell and Holland America Line, … [Read more...]
Our American Mariners – A Commodity Like No Other
By Matt Woodruff, Chairman of American Maritime Partnership and Vice President of Public and Government Affairs, Kirby Corporation Today is National Maritime Day – a day that has been celebrated for the past 85-years. The United States is, and always has been, a maritime nation. From the very founding of our country, the American maritime industry has served a critical role … [Read more...]
BOOK REVIEW: Into the Raging Sea, The Sinking of the El Faro.
Into the Raging Sea: Thirty-Three Mariners, One Megastorm, and the Sinking of El Faro, is now available for purchase via Amazon and Audible. A Book Review by Michael Carr Until now I did not understand, or even began to grasp, how EL FARO sailed directly into Hurricane Joaquin and quickly sank, drowning her 33 crew. After EL FARO’s … [Read more...]
BIMCO: US-China Trade War is All About the Eastbound Transpacific Trade Lane
When two of the world’s top trading partners, get entangled in a stand-off, where the outbreak of a trade war could become the extended tool of intense negotiations, we’d better prepare for what may come. While hoping that it will never take place. (BIMCO) - The US is China’s largest trading partner measured by value – and China is the largest one-country trading partner … [Read more...]