Abandoned ships and crews: a global problem

Today, a listener question about a dilapidated looking ship in the Astoria Anchorage. Does a ship's appearance signal problems on board? Possibly, but not necessarily. She could just need a good paint job. The ocean is hard on ships.

However, the question speaks to what's become a global issue: ships being abandoned by their owners with crew on board. In some places in the world it's reached crisis proportions. And at least once, it happened here.

How global shipping troubles affect us all

Today we'll take a look at how and why recent shipping troubles at the Suez Canal and Panama canals affect us all.

Ships now must use alternate strategies to get around two of the most vital waterways in the world, and the effect could be higher inflation and increased costs for consumers.

Of car carriers and ballast water

Today, a listener question about car carriers and ballast water.

We'll talk about how automated systems work on modern ships and how a computer malfunction can lead to dangerous ballast water problems that can trigger an emergency.

Running aground: how it can happen and what ships do about it

Today, a question about ships on the Columbia running aground: why it sometimes happens and what ships do about it.

It's not a common occurrence but when it happens, it's a maritime emergency, and pilots and crews take swift action to get things under control.

Short turnaround time for some ships

A ship arrives one day on the rive and leaves in less than 24 hours.

It's an example of the fast-paced world of cargo handling, which can leave car and container ship crews hard-pressed with little chance to rest before heading back out into the wintry Pacific.

Familiar cruise ship will no longer visit Astoria as company folds

Residents and visitors to Astoria may remember the big red and white paddlewheel cruise ship, the American Empress, that used to dock at the 17th Street dock by the Columbia River Maritime Museum.

The company that owns her, American Queen Voyages, has ceased operations, and that ship will no longer be a familiar sight in Astoria during cruise season.

But lovers of river cruises can take heart: there will still be cruises on the river, offered by other companies. We'll talk about the American Empress, and other cruise options that remain.

Columbia River Locks close for annual maintenance this week

Today we'll talk about an annual event that began this week: it's the annual, temporary closing of the US Army Corps of Engineers Portland District locks at the Bonneville, The Dalles and John Day dams.

Each year the locks close for two weeks to allow technicians to inspect them and repair and maintain the equipment. It's an essential preventive step that helps keep the Columbia Snake River system carrying commerce year round.

Downriver ports know it's happening so they can plan around it, and some even do their own maintenance during that time.

Portland's quite nautical Tilikum Crossing bridge, and more about Chinese manufactured GM cars coming into Portland

A little additional info regarding yesterday's show about Chinese-built GM autos being imported into Portland, and a look at the Tilikum Crossing, an unusual Portland bridge that has unique nautical features.

Chinese car carriers arriving in Portland: what's on board?

Today, an answer to a listener question about car carriers arriving in Portland from China: are there Chinese cars on board?

Turns out the answer is complex: yes and no. No Chinese brands are on board, but there are GM cars arriving here, which were manufactured in China. We'll also talk about some of the issues around potentially importing Chinese brand vehicles to the US. 

Archive interview: a chat with a USCG rescue swimmer, Part 5

This week, a look back in the Ship Report archives at in interview with a USCG rescue swimmer. One of the most interesting interviews I have ever done in the 20+ years I have done this show.