To Boldly Go Where No Man (or Woman) has Gone Before–Maritime Helps Make History!

These past few days have reminding me of Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio- the Roller Coaster Capital of the World—with its ups and downs.  In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, oil price uncertainty, and recent social unrest there was an enormous sunbeam of light—the takeoff of SpaceX to deliver astronauts to the International Space Station accompanied by the recovery of the booster rocket by their droneship “Of Course I Still Love You” (I’m sure there is a story there!!!).  What a thrill it was to see the rocket take off, and how very satisfying to see the booster land on the ship despite rollicking seas!!  While I had nothing to do with it, there was a frisson of pride that I am part of an industry that contributed to this historic, and significant, moment!

Just think about all the technology that went into making this moment possible!  From the ship’s drawings, complete with a deck that could withstand monumental heat, to the drone technology and communications required to make it possible this was truly a marvel of collaboration and creativity!  It demonstrates maritime’s capacity to embrace change and utilize technologies in new ways to create efficiency and positive outcomes.

Where else can we apply 2020 technologies to improve industry efficiency?  Certainly in this time of uncertain markets, the necessity of remote working, and society’s call for cohesion, we can move quickly to embrace and adapt new technologies to a centuries old industry.  No need to “reinvent the wheel”—let’s build a new one!!

Keep optimizing,
Carleen