Strategies for Safeguarding America’s Maritime Infrastructure
In March, tragedy struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Md., as it collapsed following a devastating collision with the Singapore-flagged containership, chartered by Maersk. This incident not only took six lives but also cast a harsh spotlight on the urgent need for robust infrastructure to accommodate the growing size of container vessels
According to MarineLog, cargo owners also face the challenge of absorbing immediate costs associated with retrieving stranded containers and conducting salvage operations, all while preparing to seek legal redress against the ship’s owner for liability. This process, known as General Average.
The economic significance of U.S. ports cannot be overstated. According to the “AAPA Seaports 2024 Economic Impact Study,” the industry generates over $124 billion in economic activity annually, supporting $100 billion in wages and benefits. This underscores the pivotal role of ports in facilitating trade and driving national economic prosperity.
