The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has disrupted shipping at one of the largest ports in the country — and the busiest U.S. port for car shipments. Automakers are scrambling to deal with new supply chain issues.

I didn’t realize Baltimore was so important for the car market of the Midwest and East Coast. Apparently 800,000+ cars are delivered per year through the Port of Baltimore, but with the bridge collapse today it sounds like shipments could cause some car market issues for a swath of the country.

  • shalafi@lemmy.world
    0·
    8 months ago

    Can’t speak to tugs, but most (all?) major ports require a local to pilot the final bit. That was the case here.

    “A maritime pilot, marine pilot, harbor pilot, port pilot, ship pilot, or simply pilot, is a mariner who has specific knowledge of an often dangerous or congested waterway, such as harbors or river mouths. Maritime pilots know local details such as depth, currents, and hazards. They board and temporarily join the crew to safely guide the ship’s passage, so they must also have expertise in handling ships of all types and sizes. Obtaining the title “maritime pilot” requires being licensed or authorized by a recognized pilotage authority.”