The Merchant Marine's Sinking Feeling The US Navy's recent industry day for American shipbuilders served as a long overdue wake up call for the merchant marine, an industry struggling to adapt to the harsh realities of modern seas.
For decades, cargo ships have operated under the assumption that they were safe from harm, but this naivety has become unsustainable in light of escalating threats.
Statistics reveal that 2026 saw the worst losses to hostile action since World War II. Cargo vessels are increasingly becoming high priority targets, damaged or sunk with alarming frequency.