Page 24: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (August 2020)

SHIPBUILDING

SHIPPING THROUGH A PANDEMIC:

Wake Up Call or

Perfect Storm

By Bob Kunkel he global pandemic news has been horri? c and future new construction, markets and ? nancial support.

certainly an historic moment in domestic and The ? ip side to the closures and unemployment numbers were worldwide shipping. For many businesses, the action the companies and business activities that were considered es-

Twas simple; hang the “closed” sign, furlough or layoff sential and “frontline”. As a country we saluted the tireless ef- staff and wait for the approval to re-open. Or not, depending forts of ? rst responders and health care workers as heroic. That how long the virus will linger and continue to cause hundreds said there were unsung heroes also. Crewmembers on ships, or thousands of deaths and rising numbers of cases. Make no ferry, tug and barges worldwide that maintained the logistics mistake, there will be many businesses associated with our patterns and kept the shelves, gas tanks, and storefronts ? lled industry that will not return. The damages will be far beyond with products. Shipyard workers are included in list that contin- bars and restaurant businesses. That thought alone will affect ued repairs and construction in an attempt to maintain delivery

VanEnkevort Tug & Barge,

Inc. (VTB) tug freshly painted at Don John Ship

Repair in Erie, Pa.

Photo: Amtech 24 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • August 2020

MR #8 (18-33).indd 24 8/9/2020 10:52:38 PM