To support a journal
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Baltimore Bridge Collapse Kills Workers
A foreign-flagged ship hit the Key Bridge in Baltimore, and the collapse killed workers and closed the port. At the same time, Congress passed key maritime legislation, a new great powers brinkmanship re-surfaced in Asia. A Watson wage increase, attacks by billionaires on the NLRB, and ancient maritime history were all noted along with SUP sadness at the passing of long-time member Duane Nash.
First Merchant Sailors Killed in Houthi Attacks
Houthi missiles hit unarmed merchant ships off Yemen and the first fatalities were reported. The action drew another swift response from the coalition naval forces, and American and international labor unions expressed outrage. Chinese-built container cranes were found with deep security flaws putting the U.S. maritime system at risk. The Coast Guard issued a new MMC document and the SUP celebrated Women's History Month and the 138th anniversary of its founding.
Members of Congress Call for Action on U.S. Maritime Policy
Spurred by the attacks on merchant shipping, a bi-partisan group of lawmakers demanded new focus on long-neglected U.S. maritime policy. Supply-chain security and U.S.-flag ship operations in contested waters and the reserve vessel capacity and workforce readiness were called out for review and support. In Congress, U.S. seagoing Unions testified that American sailors would deliver the goods come what may, as they have done since 1775.
APL Begins U.S.-Flag Fleet Renewal
APL formally announced a U.S.-flag fleet replacement program begining in February. At the same time forces hostile to shipping launched many attacks, mostly in the Red Sea. Container rates rose in response as ships were diverted and delayed. The importance of tonnage critical to the U.S sealift logistics of tanker operation and fuel - and the SUP's role in it - became increasingly clear. SUP activations accelerated as mariner recruitment and retention was again in the news. Steady as she goes and full ahead for 2024!
Merchant Ships Attacked in Red Sea
Unarmed merchant ships were attacked this month in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Ships were shot at and sometimes hit with drones and missiles, and a car carrier was boarded and hijacked. Much of the violence came from Houthi rebels in Yemen and related to the Gaza War, but another ship was seized in the area, apparently by Somali pirates. The attacks have slowed commerce as calls for US and allied naval protection grew louder. At another chokepoint, the Panama Canal reduced transits, just as holiday container volumes turned positive. That and much much more in this holiday issue.
Maritime Unions Denounce Second Register
The SUP and maritime labor condemned another U.S.-flag second registry scheme as a raid on the Jones Act. A government shutdown was again temporarily deferred, and election results showed the strong influence of Unions on special and off-year election outcomes. This issue looks at the earnings results and outlook in the container trade, notes uplifting results from recently settled strikes, and commends a professional rescue in the dangerous waters of the Golden Gate.
Among the Union's objectives is "to support a journal which shall voice the sentiments of the seafaring class, and through its columns seek to maintain the knowledge of and interest in maritime affairs." The first issue of the West Coast Sailors, in June of 1937, noted that "Common sense, fearlessly applied, brings success to a Union."