The Abandoned Ocean: A History of United States Maritime Policy

Why the world struggles to understand the supply chain crisis in 2021, journalists and policymakers are scratching their heads wondering how we got into this mess. The short answer is sea-blindness and apathy towards maritime policy. The long answer is everything in this important book.

Excellent story of the American efforts (and ultimate failures) to establish a long-term viable merchant marine. Fundamentally, these failed efforts can be attributed to decades of incredible short - term and self - serving attitudes (and in some cases outright corruption) on the part of a variety of merchant marine interests: maritime unions, longshore and stevedore unions, shipbuilders, shipping companies, government agencies, and the US Congress. Over the years, an attitude has developed on the part of American shipping companies and maritime unions that federal government subsidies and mercantilist protections are a God - given right. It was also interesting to read the classic excuses and claims that policies desired by various special - interest groups are (naturally) for the benefit of the American people! As is almost always the case, the policies are to protect the financial well being of the interest groups. Well worth reading, at least if you are interested in Amercian maritime history.

On-time and in excellent condition.

Fantastic book for those who want to learn more about maritime policies

Mr. Gibson and Mr. Donovan have written what is likely the clearest and most concise book there is on the successes and failures of our maritime policies. Unfortunately, the state of our maritime industry today reflects what looks like mostly failure. It is a sad story that the general public neither understands the realities of the state our transportation system is in, nor the impact we are yet to face as a result of the mis-guided and foolish policies of our government. The really dangerous part to this is that our government and politicians do not understand it, either.This book should be required reading for all consumers, elected and appointed government officials, and all employees even remotely connected to the transportation industry. The lessons in this book can teach us a great deal about the dangers of runaway protectionist and entitlement policies.Moreover, this book can be a road map to the elected people in offices around Washington, D.C., and our state capitols for what needs to be done to bring our maritime heritage back to the forefront of where it should be, and the impact of what is facing us if we don't get it there.