Two Guys Talking Ship Podcast

In Episode 78, the Two Guys Talking Ship Podcast visits the Key Bridge construction site and provides an in-depth overview of the current project status, including the construction process, safety measures, funding, and the immensity of the equipment and structures involved. Mike and Kipp walk the newly constructed trestle and take a boat ride with James Harkness, Chief Engineer, MDTA to see first hand the current progress of the new Francis Scott Key Bridge. Many of your questions are answered with the discussions with James. Special thanks to the Dundalk News, Logan Lambert and Finch Flores, who joined the group on the tour, for asking so many important questions from the community in support of educating the public on the current process and great to work with. Happy Shipwatching !!

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Key Bridge Construction Site Visit
• 03:12 Boat Tour and Safety Measures
• 12:02 Pylon Foundations and Bridge Height
• 25:01 Pile Driving and Funding

In Episode 77, Mike and Kipp host this Labor Day edition of the podcast with the Port of Baltimore honoring all of the workers on this holiday. They also provide the updated Truck Transaction metrics from Ports America Chesapeake. From the Key Bridge Rebuild, they guys discuss that all of the piles have been installed for the main line of the access trestle and provide an overview of the pylons that will be used in the new bridge. Kipp provides an overview of the USCG report released on Ports and Waterways Safety Act Board of Inquiry following the Key Bridge Incident. Mike discussed the current state of RoRo operations. Kipp discusses the draft budget release of MDOT's Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) which is the blueprint for operating Maryland's transportation systems for the next six years. Mike has some pictures from the Baltimore City Fire Department and their recent firefighter ship training and the guys wrap up with a discussion around the Jones Act waivers and COSCO ships visiting the Port of Baltimore. Happy Shipwatching !!

Takeaways

• Port of Baltimore shipping updates
• Labor Day celebration
• Key Bridge construction progress Infrastructure and transportation planning
• Port safety and risk assessment
• Investment in transportation infrastructure Port of Baltimore activities
• Jones Act and national security concerns

Chapters

• 00:00 Port of Baltimore Shipping Updates
• 13:20 Labor Day Celebration
• 16:44 Key Bridge Construction Progress
• 24:00 Bridge Design and Construction
• 26:44 Port Safety and Risk Assessment
• 45:09 State Budget and Transportation Investment
• 48:46 Port of Baltimore Activities
• 56:33 Jones Act and National Security Concerns

In Episode 76 Mike and Kipp play catch up on the past three weeks' happenings in the Port of Baltimore, including the ACoE Catlett, the USCG placing the FSK Buoy, and MPA's Interim Executive Director being named. Mike has a report on Defenders Day coming up in September. They also discuss an all-electric aircraft being delivered at the port and the MSC Dragon service has now arrived. They also cover a new drone boat manufacturing facility at Tradepoint Atlantic and Chesapeake Shipbuilding recent ship projects. Happy Shipwatching !!

Takeaways

• shipping updates
• Port news and the new acting transportation secretary
• Grant program for mariners
• Maritime industry expansion at Trade Point Atlantic
• Historical significance of Defender's Day

Chapters

• 00:00 Back-to-School and Shipping Updates
• 03:25 Port News and Acting Transportation Secretary
• 24:01 Grant Program for Mariners
• 30:09 New Defense Contractor at Trade Point Atlantic
• 37:49 Tragic Accident at Dundalk Marine Terminal
• 41:09 Expansion of American Cruise Lines
• 51:05 Historical Significance of Defender's Day
• 01:02:42 Upcoming Events and Shipwatching Experiences

In Episode 75 Mike and Kipp catch up on a number of items in the Port of Baltimore since the Sail250 event. The truck transaction metrics out of the Seagirt Terminal are holding steady and Mike and Kipp look at Glenn Johnston's metrics out of Stevenson University with where products go once they arrive at the port. Mike discusses the recent announcement of Jonathan Daniels being appointed to the Director and Chief Executive Officer of PortMiami and the plans in place here at the Port of Baltimore. The guys review pictures from the recent USNS Charles Gilliand fire, pictures from the Curtin Marine Dredging project at Seagirt Loop, and the most recent pictures of the progress with the Key Bridge Rebuild. In other port news, the guys talk about the NYK takeover of Saga Welco and Liebherr winning the STS crane order award for Sparrows Point Container Terminal as well as the announcement of testing for the first wing-sail installed on a car carrier. Finally, the Charles D Gaither steel police boat located at Pier 13 owned by the Baltimore & Chesapeake Steamboat Company needs help with relocation. Happy Shipwatching !!

The conversation covers a range of topics related to port operations, shipping updates, and a leadership transition in the port. It begins with an introduction and catching up, followed by a discussion on shipping updates and metrics. The conversation then delves into the Sail Two Fifty event and port events, followed by a discussion on a port study and cargo destinations. Finally, it concludes with a focus on the leadership transition in the port. The conversation covers various aspects of port operations and construction, including the significance of personal connections in business, the recent port fire incident, updates on dredging operations, Maryland Port Administration updates, and progress on the Key Bridge construction. The conversation covers the timeline and complexities of bridge construction, the acquisition of NYK lines, and the installation of sails on cargo ships. Each topic is explored in detail, providing valuable insights into the maritime industry.

Takeaways

• Port Operations and Logistics
• Leadership Transition Openness and acceptance in professional relationships
• Significance of personal connections in business Bridge construction timeline
• NYK lines acquisition
• Sail installation on cargo ships

Chapters

• 00:00 Leadership Transition in the Port
• 58:45 Key Bridge Construction Progress
• 59:57 Bridge Construction Timeline
• 01:07:52 NYK Lines Acquisition
• 01:16:30 Sail Installation on Cargo Ships

In Episode 74 Mike and Kipp play catch up on all of the other things happing in the Port of Baltimore over the past couple weeks with the recent interviews. The guys give a summary of those interviews, but also covered shipping updates and truck transactions, the Grande Cotonou and Bow Thrusters, the Pegasus Barge and Space Launch System, FloatLab,

SOS Save Our Savannah, and an overview of the events with the upcoming SAIL250 Baltimore Celebration. Happy Shipwatching !!

In Episode 73, Mike and Kipp have Alexander Giles, local Baltimore maritime attorney as a guest discussing the Dali and the Key Bridge trial. The conversation delves into the settlement, limitation proceedings, the details of the ongoing legal case, highlighting the complexities and nuances involved. Alex provides an in-depth analysis as well as important factual information surrounding the settlement. Happy Shipwatching !!

Anchor Alert ! - In Episode 72, Mike and Kipp have Jim Harkness, Chief Engineer with MDTA and the Key Bridge Rebuild Project to give a detailed update on the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild project, immediately following the recent offboarding for Phase 2 with Kiewitt. Jim explains all of the questions we have all been asking regarding the recent decision and the detailed path moving forward, as the bridge construction in Phase 1 continues. Happy Shipwatching !!

Anchor Alert !! In Episode 71 The Two Guys Talking Ship Podcast was at the groundbreaking ceremony at Tradepoint Atlantic of the Sparrows Point Container Terminal. The guys a quick video from at the event and some follow up discussion. Happy Shipwatching !!

Anchor Alert ! - In Episode 70 Mike and Kipp provide news and analysis on today's announcement of the Key Bridge Rebuild Phase 2 off-ramp with their bridge contractor, as the project continues construction. Happy Shipwatching !!

In Episode 69, Mike and Kipp catch up with Mike's recent trip on the Baltimore International Seafarer's Fundraiser Cruise. The guys came across some more pictures of the Gale recovery. Mike announced the anniversary of the Domino Sugar sign and the visit of the Artania cruise ship to the port. There is a new bulk grain processing facility breaking ground at Seagirt Marine Terminal and a new agreement with the Neoliner Origin and CMA CGM. Of course updates from the Key Bridge Rebuild project and upcoming dredging with Curtin Marine. Mike and Kipp take a dive into a general inquiry about the process cruise ships go through for inspections after being serviced in drydock. And Kipp discovered that the SS John W Brown has coffee thanks to the Salty Sailor Coffee Company. Happy Shipwatching !!