Show notes
I can think of few 18-month periods where shipbuilding, the merchant marine, and the importance of a strong maritime sector in the U.S. has been a more active topic. Near the center of this conversation—or at least a few paragraphs in—is a long-time friend of the show, Dr. Sal Mercogliano—returning to the Midrats Podcast.Sal is the Chair of the Department of History, Criminal Justice and Political Science at Campbell University; a former merchant mariner; and a contributor to USNI Proceedings, Sea History, Naval History, and gCaptain.He is also the host of the YouTube channel, What’s Going on With Shipping.Show LinksWhat’s Going on With ShippingUnauthorized History Podcast with Sal Mercogliano on WWII OilersSummaryBoth Sals and Mark discuss the importance of maritime security, supply chain resilience, and the strategic challenges posed by geopolitical conflicts in this in-depth interview. Additional discussion dives into global choke points, military logistics, and the future of US shipbuilding.Chapters00:00: Introduction and Guest Introduction02:45: Sal Mercogliano’s Background and Expertise04:03: The Growth of Shipping Content and Public Interest06:01: Impact of Evergiven Suez Canal Incident07:02: Fragility of Global Supply Chains09:37: Freedom of the Seas and Modern Challenges10:36: Geopolitical Threats to Maritime Trade12:02: Geography, Choke Points, and Strategic Control13:25: Effects of Strait Closures on Economics and Security14:43: Historical Lessons from Past Conflicts16:06: US Military and Commercial Shipping Interplay18:43: Offshoring Shipbuilding and Its Consequences21:01: Revitalizing US Shipbuilding Industry24:32: Logistics Support and Military Readiness27:18: Protection of Critical Shipping Assets30:42: Rising Sea Blindness and Strategic Awareness33:00: Black Sea and Ukraine Conflict Insights36:20: Trade Interdiction and Potential for Conflict39:37: Global Supply Chain and Energy Security41:33: Manpower and Workforce Challenges in Shipping44:13: Defense Strategies for Maritime Security48:33: Protection of US Naval and Commercial Assets52:50: Technology and Innovation in Maritime Defense55:13: Jones Act and US Maritime Policy58:30: US Energy and Fuel Supply Challenges01:01:53: Future Projects and Research in Shipping
