Episode 764: Shipbuilding, Merchant Shipping, Commerce, and the American Project - with Sal Mercogliano

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 Links

• What’s Going on With Shipping
• Unauthorized History Podcast with Sal Mercogliano on WWII Oilers

Summary

Both 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.

Chapters

00:00: Introduction and Guest Introduction
02:45: Sal Mercogliano’s Background and Expertise
04:03: The Growth of Shipping Content and Public Interest
06:01: Impact of Evergiven Suez Canal Incident
07:02: Fragility of Global Supply Chains
09:37: Freedom of the Seas and Modern Challenges
10:36: Geopolitical Threats to Maritime Trade
12:02: Geography, Choke Points, and Strategic Control
13:25: Effects of Strait Closures on Economics and Security
14:43: Historical Lessons from Past Conflicts
16:06: US Military and Commercial Shipping Interplay
18:43: Offshoring Shipbuilding and Its Consequences
21:01: Revitalizing US Shipbuilding Industry
24:32: Logistics Support and Military Readiness
27:18: Protection of Critical Shipping Assets
30:42: Rising Sea Blindness and Strategic Awareness
33:00: Black Sea and Ukraine Conflict Insights
36:20: Trade Interdiction and Potential for Conflict
39:37: Global Supply Chain and Energy Security
41:33: Manpower and Workforce Challenges in Shipping
44:13: Defense Strategies for Maritime Security
48:33: Protection of US Naval and Commercial Assets
52:50: Technology and Innovation in Maritime Defense
55:13: Jones Act and US Maritime Policy
58:30: US Energy and Fuel Supply Challenges
01:01:53: Future Projects and Research in Shipping