What the Ship Ep102 | Chokepoints | Inspections | Pacific Rates | Bridge Strike | Navy Shipbuilding

What the Ship (Ep 102) | Maritime Chokepoints: Panama Canal, Red Sea & Baltimore | US Coast Guard Port State Inspection Report for 2023 | Transpacific Freight Rates for 2024 | NTSB Release Report on Mississippi River Bridge Strike | More Delays for US Navy Shipbuilding
What's Going on With Shipping?
Apr 3, 2024
In this episode, Sal Mercogliano - maritime historian @campbelledu - discusses the Top 5 Maritime Stories as of Apr 3, 2024.
#supplychain #shipping #panamacanal #redsea #babelmandeb #coastguard #portstate #inspections #freightrates #bridge #bridgestrike #NTSB #USNavy #shipbuilding
Support What's Going on With Shipping via:
Patreon: www.patreon.com/wgowshipping
Twitter: @mercoglianos
Facebook: @wgowshipping
Email: [e-mail]
00:00 Introduction
01:36 1. Maritime Chokepoints: Panama Canal, Red Sea & Baltimore
IMF: Portwatch
portwatch.imf.org/
Navigating Uncertainty: El Niño, La Niña, and the Panama Canal Drought
gcaptain.com/el-nino-la-nina-...
Gatun Lake Water Levels
evtms-rpts.pancanal.com/eng/h...
Red Sea crisis nears boiling point, unable to heat up spot rates
www.freightwaves.com/news/red...
Crystal Symphony
www.cruisemapper.com/ships/Cr...
Update 6 Multimedia Release: Unified Command opens second temporary alternate channel around Key Bridge wreckage for commercially essential vessels
www.keybridgeresponse2024.com...
18:48 2. US Coast Guard Port State Inspection Report for 2023
USCG: "Significant Increase" in Detentions During Port State Inspections
maritime-executive.com/articl...
Port State Control in the United States - 2023 Annual Report
www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/DC...
25:35 3. Transpacific Freight Rates for 2024
Transpacific contract negotiations going down to the wire: Many US importers holding out for lower annual rates
lloydslist.com/LL1148688/Tran...
FREIGHTOS BALTIC INDEX (FBX): GLOBAL CONTAINER PRICING INDEX
terminal.freightos.com/freigh...
28:55 4. NTSB Release Report on Mississippi River Bridge Strike
Captain’s Complacency Led to Bridge Strike on Mississippi River
gcaptain.com/captains-complac...
Contact of Susan K Tow with Natchez-Vidalia Bridge
www.ntsb.gov/investigations/A...
33:13 5. More Delays for US Navy Shipbuilding
news.usni.org/2024/04/02/cons...
39:14 Conclusion

[@brandonblackfyre5783]

*Man, I tell you what, its dope seeing Sal's videos absolutely BLOWING up in popularity & views... As well as a bunch of new subscribers & supporters... Sal deserves all the support & views he gets, as he is one of the best channels on KZbin when it comes to shipping & other related topics &/or news...* *I never thought I would see the day the Key Bridge is gone. I am born & raised in Baltimore & I still cannot wrap my head around the Key Bridge being gone from a collapse. I drove over that bridge thousands of times, sometimes up to 4 crossings in one day for work. I live right on the Stoney Creek, so I can see the Key Bridge if I walk a couple hundred feet down to the bank of Stoney Creek.* *Thanks for all the coverage Sal. Keep up the great work.* 💯💯💯💯💯💪💪💪💪💪❤❤❤❤

[@Syst3mat1cErr0r]

I only saw the bridge as a child whenever I'd go with my dad over the road. Crossing it at least once a week for an entire summer. I never got to see it as an adult, and now I never will. Strange how us humans get weird attachments to inanimate objects.

[@wgowshipping]

Thanks Brandon!

[@Nicole72591]

The exact level of detail I didn’t know I was missing out on. Obsessed with shipping details now.

[@seanworkman431]

Indeed, it is great to have a comprehensive overview of what's going on with shipping because there is a lot. I am also impressed withe amount of comments from people who have never been to sea and know nothing about the subject and yet find Sal's videos fascinating.

[@patgil8736]

Thank you Brandon for this update on the key bridge praying for all the workers that they can get this steel off of this vessel so we can get vessels up and running again. Still praying for those who are in that order the workers who were on the bridge that morning when this terrible accident happened one of the workers live down the street where my sister lives in Glen Burnie praying for the wife the children did every need for that family and other families will be met that only God is the one can give comfort at this time.

[@katiekofemug]

The Key Bridge tragedy was a horrible reason to discover your channel, but I am learning So Much and understanding things I didn't quite "get" due to your clarity of explanations. Thank You so very much for sharing your knowledge and insights. I am totally becoming a WiGoWS junkie!!

[@timothystevenhoward]

You should see his analysis of the Bon Homme Richard disaster.

[@SpaceCop]

22:31 Come on Canadians, now's our chance while they're distracted! 🇨🇦🇺🇸🇨🇦 Thanks Sal, and much love, from evil Canada

[@wgowshipping]

We are watching you CANADA!

[@cece3194]

?

[@186infinity]

Just a friendly reminder. like you said, some of the new people may not be familiar with the acronyms. It’s nice when you go over them once in a while, as a refresher.Thanks keep up the good work.

[@JS-hu7pv]

I’m here because of Blancolirio and take this as a compliment - you are the Juan Brown of the shipping world. You’ve convinced me to subscribe. Thanks Sal.

[@wgowshipping]

Thank you so much. That is a real compliment.

[@lightningdemolition1964]

I also watch both channels and try to plug them whenever I can. You are both excellent unbiased sources of information.

[@Metal_seer]

The Key Bridge fragility woke many of us up to how significant shipping is to our lives, and your channel provides the information of which we should be aware. Thank you!

[@ThatOpalGuy]

it SHOULD wake people up to the laziness and apathy people have concerning the LACK of upgrading in safety around infrastructure. This bridge was woefully unprotected to the dangers of today's super cargo ships, and our 'legislators' do everything possible to cut spending and give more tax breaks to the rich.

[@noyopacific]

@@ThatOpalGuy the shipping industry happens to interest me however the extent of infrastructure is too vast for most people to comprehend let alone worry about. It is easy to blame legislators (I do it frequently myself.) Like their constituents they tend to react (and sometimes overreact) to squeaky wheels. Let's look for solutions first and start the necessary repairs. I'm sure there will be plenty of time to assign blame and responsibility after the work is completed, or at least well underway.

[@GizzyDillespee]

Maybe they can build an underwater halfpipe leading into and out of the large bridge channels... a halfpipe that funnels stray ships back into the channel instead of hitting the bridge supports. They could grow oysters on the halfpipe. That way, no matter how shoddy the ships, or how drunk and/or blind the captain and pilot are, it won't matter. Just kidding. I mean, if you'd allocated 100 billion dollars to "infrastructure" before this crash happened... how much of that would've gone to "reinforcing bridges against stray container ships"?.. 0%? I think a politician would've been lambasted for wasting taxpayer money. The, after the crash, people ask why nobody spent big money to prepare for this scenario. It was a no-win situation for the appropriations people.

[@Metal_seer]

@GizzyDillespee I pity the fool appropristions authority which doesn't take the hint and build adequate dolphins to protect theirbbridge, which then sustains a hit and damage/collapse. They had the Sunshine Bridge and Key Bridge as warnings. And there's no telling what, if anything, came out of Joe's infrastructure plans.

[@mvanluven78]

​@@ThatOpalGuy when you decide that taxing millionaires is overrated this is what happens

[@hmtempla]

Thank you, the maritime community has needed a mouthpiece like you for a long long time!

[@stevencosky4035]

If watching your presentations on all aspects of shipping would earn me 3 credits at Campbell University, I would enroll in your class today. During my 7 years of university education, I find it difficult to remember any professor (some being nation experts in their field) who come close to your presentation skills and the ability to transfer information in an understandable manner.

[@SlickBlackCadillac]

Thanks for these videos. Infinitely more valuable than mainstream media coverage, since their value is none.

[@dannyestes832]

Just want to compliment you. Thanks for making the world available to an average guy like me.I wish all of the internet produced information on this level.

[@laurenglass4514]

Sal covers many things about maritime. Inland waterways, ports, ships, navy’s, conflict, accidents, and seafarers and labor .

[@AllNighterHeider]

As a commercial fisherman and an economist, I get fed twice with each video 😁

[@joecarlson6428]

Excellent reporting. Both the Navy and Coast Guard are having trouble building, maintaining, and crewing ships. I agree the death of domestic ship building and repair is a serious national issue. The other reason is the over focus on post 911 style military ops. The Coast Guard has lost capability in marine safety, inspections, and investigations. I did the accident investigation at MSO Paducah, not the NTSB. That report was pathetic. NTSB lacks the experience and understanding of whole ship and barge transportation sector. Mission 11 has really become mission 11.5 and is headed to 12. I really appreciate your focused reporting into shipping, ships and the maritime industry as an employer and a place of employment. These areas would be something barely seen off in the mist.

[@andytaylor3098]

thanks for your channel Sal what ever did we do before your reports you explain every thing with such clarity and so well information you give is invaluable keep up the great work big thanks 👍👍👍👍👍

[@wgowshipping]

Much appreciated...and Sal vice Sam. 😇

[@dragonstormdipro1013]

On an unrelated news, Indian navy rescued 23 Pakistani crews of an Iranian fishing boat from Somalian pirates, forcing them to surrender using MARCOS on Arabian sea. No injuries reported.

[@pierheadjump]

⚓️ Thanks Sal 🌈 the shipbuilding trouble is partially due to the abysmal state of education and trade schools. We spend $$$ on jails rather than schools⚓️

[@lizj5740]

I wonder if "juvenile delinquents" are still given the option of joining the military vs going to jail. That seemed to be the case in the 1960s.

[@pierheadjump]

@@lizj5740 nope…. Because the systems all need at least a high school level of problem solving…. Reading the manual to a missile system or ??? Is not in the edumacation level of a high school pot dealer. 😂

[@stealthspy007]

I'm right in Campbell's backyard -small world! I found your page from the first update on the Dali, but I've been watching every video you've put out since. Information delivered brilliantly and I love your underlying positive, happy vibe. Great stuff, I will keep watching the Watch the Ship series because they're so well done and very interesting. Cheers!

[@highline64]

I’m glad to see your back to the basics. The overall picture is huge.😊

[@wgowshipping]

Sorry for the distraction.

[@greenthing99100]

Excellent, balanced and comprehensive as always - thanks Sal. I hope that the USA and UK and EU all decide to build some ships soon, and that they all learn the first lesson of project management : specification change delays projects and costs a FORTUNE !

[@danielch6662]

The US gov is going into the ship building business? I can already see how well this will go.

[@danielch6662]

PS it is not just building ships. You need upstream industries to support it, or else you can never compete.

[@user-bt8vn3dj6o]

I am currently reading Winston Churchill's account of World War I. In Volume I, he talks about shipping insurance. Because of your program, I have a much better understanding of its effect on commerce. Thanks.

[@billykershaw2781]

Bab el-Mandeb, cheers!

[@jonmccormick8683]

You must say it 3 times in a row. -If one mistake, you must take the drink (and try again).

[@1shonb]

FYI, I was booked on the Crystal Symphony from Mumbai to Athens and it was cancelled several weeks ago. Once things got hot in the Red Sea I knew Crystal was going to drop that leg. I also knew it had to get to Athens because it was showing the following cruises were still on and they were selling space. Like you, I was following the ship after departing Mumbai and noticed it had turned it's AIS off and then suddenly appeared past Jeddah. Looks like it will make it on time.

[@cadebritt8001]

I subscribed as soon as I understood shipping is the finger on the world's economy. Thanks for reporting your findings.

[@phobosmoon4643]

shipping is the key to global prosperity and a 21st century that dwarfs the 20th and those before it. Hopefully this WWIII shit is just teething and growth pains.

[@tigarxox]

Besides learning carpentry, electrician, ropes, fishing etc. this channel opened up a whole different world. Never really thought at all about the shipping world lane with exception to history, shipping incidents and exploration.

[@carroll-w7wxv]

Thank you for doing another great :What the Ship" video. I was beginning to wonder about what was going on around the world "strategic" situation. Now I know to look for this every 2 weeks.

[@GuyChapman]

Fair play to the Susan Kay's master for putting his hands up to human error.

[@bubblebus1]

Like the Blancolirio for aircraft issues, you bring the simple facts together with analysis to help your watchers understand the world of shipping. I was particularly interested in the impact of sipping insurance costs, along with the costs of longer routes as it impacts global trade. Keep it coming.

[@Sugarmountaincondo]

I first found Sal's channel while looking for more information about the Houthi attacks on the ships in the Red Sea back when that mess all started, so I am fairly new, and man was it a blessing. I follow more than 300 channels here on YT because I keep up with the geopolitical/economic/military aspect of the World and hands down, no lie, this is the #1 channel I look forward to getting a notification from and the insight and knowledgeable perspective given is like a gold miner shouting "Eureka". My only regret is that I did not find it sooner back during the Wuhan virus pandemic, but, better late than never. 😎

[@stephanieparker1250]

I’m a new subscriber, I’m loving this channel and especially this What the Ship series. Great info!

[@fredfred2363]

Wow. What thorough report. There's clearly a lot going on in shipping! Interesting.

[@julianmetcalfe1070]

cool we are updated ,keep up the good work

[@sumiland6445]

🇺🇸 Thanks to all the interdisciplinary agencies and vocations and multinationals that are working together to rescue and recover and clear the channel for essential shipping. Y'all knocked it out da park!! ❤ 🇺🇸 🌏

[@ah244895]

I'm watching during dinner, drinking wine to each mention of B.E.M.D......

[@HandyMan657]

Thanks for the update, Sal. Keep safe.

[@indylovelace]

Over a quarter of a million subscribers. You’ve come along way Sal since we were discussing how to set up Patreon. Well done!

[@irmadupr]

I went under that bridge many times when i had my boat in Canton.. i used to think there is basically no protection but chances are one in a million it would ever hit. Well.....

[@bobfugazy4916]

Good video Sal. Sadly we have fallen asleep at the manufacturing wheel - along with so many other industries. I work for a company that interfaces with FMM and it's a sad state of affairs. The other thought I had was, is this part of the government's plan to weaken the US Navy? I know we're way off of a 600 ship Navy but this rebuilding effort has to start 10 years ago. Thanks for for bringing shipping to our awareness. The general population has no clue but you are helping in that regard. Kudos to you Sal.

[@skyepilotte11]

Thx Sal for the in depth analysis of maritime shipping.

[@danielhayes1880]

No one does it better! Thanks for the update!

[@stco2426]

Many thanks, Sal. I really appreciate these multi-issue, multi-factorail WTS vids. Great to know in greater detail about the choke points, global issues and supply chain complexities and procurement difficulties. Many commetns are similar, too. Please continue this very useful reporting and all the best.

[@petergroves9343]

Quality update, thanks Sal 👍👍

[@LilmissJ111]

Great update as always!❤❤

[@JoJoJohnston]

Thank you Sal!

[@dustinandrews3223]

Def dont stop making these global shipping videos. They are way too informative.

[@lizj5740]

Now I understand why the commenter yesterday was asking about water depths in South African ports. I didn't realize he was being so relevant. Live and learn.

[@villagaiac55]

great stuff..thank you!

[@walterpark8824]

I DID enjoy the episode, as usual. Great work!

[@Sssssssssssunflower]

Thanks Sal

[@mikegallegos7]

Thank you, Sir.

[@loismiller2830]

It could be a cruise for Hoothies and their loved ones. Maybe that's why it's been so quiet for the last 8 days. 😊

[@jean-pierrechoquet2909]

Thanks you for the informations ! From Belgiun !

[@markblain8438]

The large recycling pools being built should help in Panama

[@WindTurbineSyndrome]

Hi Sal great job as usual.

[@kutto5017]

I love the closed captions. Salmer Kagano 😂

[@richarman4440]

Man sure hope it goes smooth the public needs to see good leadership it builds trust.

[@bradladwig9968]

Love the episodes you do a get job more interesting then all other channels

[@Rip889]

I'm surprised the navy and the reserves aren't more involved when it comes to ship inspections, you would think as well as the help that they would be they would get great insight and learning opportunity from it! i stumbled on this channel a few years ago during the deep-water incident and have been super impress by Sal, his no BS info and straight up knowledge of everything maritime related. Sal should be the one informing the general public on this tragic event not some political wig looking to better his political position. KEEP KICKING ASS SAL!

[@13699111]

America's 50 years of a race to the bottom continues sadly. Thank you for all the interesting informative background information about global shipping

[@plab0187]

Well, americans don't like strong labor unions, purpose, a united society, a cohesive nation, etc. etc. (gubmint bad, gubmint vewwy bad) - enjoy the results.

[@13699111]

@@plab0187 I agree completely agree with your comment

[@jonmccormick8683]

When did Shipping become the most interesting topic of knowledge? = I'll take "What the Ship?" for 100, Alex. -Please bring the boring and mundane back into shipping, but your excitement of the topic is very addicting to the brain.

[@jimsimmons4586]

I'm interested in the up tick in shipping rounding South Africa. Given the choke points in the Red Sea and the Panama Canal, I wonder whether there's a similar bump in shipping 'round the Horn or through the Magellan Straits. My guess would be the only shipping going this way would be shipping into.or out of South American ports. But again, that's only a guess.

[@shoshanabaer]

Thank you Sal.

[@BrownEyePinch]

For what?

[@gregkail4348]

Thanks for another clear video 👍👍👍👍

[@ChrisCoombes]

12:50 Lynyrd Skynyrd's Free Bird blasting away on the bridge no doubt.

[@TechOttawa]

D R I N K! I was SOOO thirsty. Bless you Sal! 🍻

[@Somesortadog]

Whoa, new camera Sal or just better in that office? Love the upgraded 1080@60 quality!

[@landoncasstevens298]

Great Video!

[@FillTaylor]

Great info, thanks!

[@fgarnold]

Have you produced a video recently exploring the reasons for the delays in USN shipbuilding? I'm sure the reasons are multi-faceted & different for various programs. Would be very helpful to hear such a discussion.

[@jonmccormick8683]

A good topic would be MRO, with South Korea looking to buy a ship builder in the US (Austal etc al). What is MRO? How are our military ships built and serviced? -What is the future. Foreign ownership of MRO service? What are the ship needs and service of our military fleet.

[@AltronT]

Great vid.

[@georgewest2096]

thanks again

[@peters-adventure]

Just finished reading "Six Frigates". Next up: "The Neptune Factor".

[@coachwendy5618]

The Ford Class carriers take longer to build because the Navy changes what they want on every ship. They also keep updating the technology that is provided.

[@thomasdragosr.841]

This is typical of our government. I worked on nuclear power plant construction in the 70's and 80's. The main reason for nuclear power's high cost is the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's constant meddling in design.

[@calvinhobbes7504]

I had to pause the video to go get something to drink. I admit it. I wasn't prepared .... won't happen again. Seriously though, thanks for a great presentation, Dr. Sal.

[@jonmccormick8683]

-They Bab-El-Mandeb always catches people off-guard.

[@simonschneider5913]

@@jonmccormick8683 not me!

[@lydiafife8716]

Awesome 👏🏻 thank you so so much for the informative and objective presentations. Always learning!! 🙏

[@Jeffrey-sd6mb]

VERY INFORMATIVE SAL

[@wgowshipping]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jilbertb]

❤Thanks Sal!❤

[@AllNighterHeider]

Crystal Symphony must have friends in low places 😂 Great stuff as usual Thanks Sal

[@martincohen155]

Great information

[@DonaldRak-ku6bi]

Thank you for video Now I understand this ship routing and costs of goods to country's and I'm happy Houthis in Red sea are reduced in funds terribly due to disruption of ship travel throught the red sea

[@geo8rge]

The US is a country of 350 or so million, can the US really dominate in every industry? The US seems to have withdrawn from commercial shipbuilding so the US could dominate in aerospace, technology, IT, ... Is the US reentering the commercial shipbuilding industry realistic while prioritizing naval shipbuilding? Another concern is that the sinking of Russian naval vessels by Ukrainian drones seems to suggest current surface ship designs are obsolete.

[@susanellis6402]

Good information

[@jeanjacquesdessalines1425]

Merci beaucoup

[@user-xb4kq8oo1y]

Great show Sal, turning off the ais for a bit 😂

[@ActiveJoe]

Another great insight Sam. Curious to get your thoughts on future impact of a North West passage opening up later in this season and if there is a trend to consider. All the best and God Bless. 🙏❤🇺🇸

[@silasbryan3122]

Thank you for the worldwide presentation. I understand the delay, the international community doesn’t pause because America has an incident. How selfish of them.

[@norrisphillips4360]

When you said 80% change I slapped my head we may need every ship soon pick a freaking plan andbuild the censored thing!

[@aaronlopez492]

You a very informative show. Refered Blancolirio.

[@grumpysgararge5860]

If India has over 1500 registered Motor Vessels, how come the Coast Guard did not ever inspect one? A ship is a physical object, the crew is responsible for getting/keeping it in safe and recommend way. Thanks for the videos!

[@mt3311]

I agree with you on the unified command. I worked for the state of California, where we did NIMS. It is a top down command structure. There is an Incident commander who is in command of the incident. He then delegates authority to the different agencies to perform specific tasks. He leaves them to their command structure within their respective agencies. I was part of the DOT, called Caltrans. The IC had the District Director from Caltrans on his staff. If there needed to be roads closed the IC would tell the Caltrans Director and they would make it happen within their command structure. From my limited experience, education and knowledge in the matter, this system looks to be a better way to do business, than the Unified structure. What say you?

[@hastuart9639]

Yes fewer commitees and just do as your told, make your own decisions and get on with it. Worked for me at sea. In meetings there is more said than done.

[@jamestregler1584]

Thanks for the ' NO Whirlpool zone ' 🧐

[@nextinstitute7824]

Keep the choke points going Sal!

[@headstanding_Penguin]

Could you make a video about the cranes used at Baltimore? Especially what the long round "rods" pointing skywards are on some of them...

[@MADHIKER777]

What worries me most from today's news is the wholesale delay of Navy shipbuilding. With all the posturing & water cannon fights in the South China Sea, we need the traditional might of the US NAVY!

[@cristianperalta]

21:42 I found funny to see Bolivia there when you look at Bolivia geography (and yeah I know one thing is not related to the other but it is still fun).

[@davidmcintee6812]

Question about dredging the shipping lanes in Baltimore: When I think of dredging a channel, I think of clearing sand, mud, silt, etc. This situation doesn't sound like that at all. This involves asphalt, concrete, all kinds of metal debris, etc. Can normal dredging equipment be used for this?

[@jonmccormick8683]

They are working around the bridge mess. -Port of Baltimore mostly 100-200ft of mud. = East Coast tidal. = So making an existing 10-15 water depth into a 30-40ft deep channel for the heavier ships. Barges need less water depth than the big ships. Sailboats (fin on bottom) will need the channel etc.

[@seymourpro6097]

Shipyards are risk adverse when it comes to civil builds, the ship build is done in China simply because the death/injury cost in a major western country is far greater than in an eastern pacific rim country.

[@edl653]

Regarding the Navy, saying a change to 15% of ship like the Fremm give a false impression as all they systems impacted are distributed throughout the ship. Of example, if a powerline has to be added it may have to pass through a few subdivisions that are not being changed directly, but because of that one cable, the electrical, outfitting, structural, habitability, etc... drawings (3d Model) all need to be looked at and modified accordingly. The 15% change narrative was never realistic and more of a "Program Office" marketing ploy rather than a real level of engineering and design effort required. There are so many changes between the Frigate and the Fremm, I always expected that they first ship would be late by years. Like the first ship of any class, it is going to be late... Just have to hope ships 3 and forward get everything worked out for efficient construction and that we build many of them. Mature designs are "not mature" when every system on the ship including structure (it lost 1/2 a deck, changed mast and increased in length slightly).

[@krispypriest5116]

Thanks Sal for the great uploads and hard work! Looks like your channel is starting to grow by leaps and bounds. The best subscription this year so far!!!!

[@wgowshipping]

Thank you!

[@carriemetzler7102]

I love the information you provide, I wonder if it is possible to remove the salt from ocean water and refill the lake to get the canal working again? Just a curiosity question I am not an expert on the canal.

[@SpringIsBACK]

Less LNG voyages being made due to the longer routes and a limited number of ships = potential shortages of LNG. If such shortages occur, the resulting LNG price increases would far dwarf the increased shipping costs.