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The world economy is quite dependent on cargo ships.

In fact, over 90% of the world’s tradeable goods are carried by sea.

We saw what can happen when major shipping routes get disrupted for close to a week with the Suez Canal fiasco.

Shipping companies lost nearly $10 billion daily from that unfortunate blockage.

That’s why it seems necessary to give a nod of appreciation for these companies that handle each step of the complicated process of getting cargo to and from the required destinations, so we don’t have to.

It is also interesting to think about the people who live aboard these cargo ships that get us the goods, many of which surround you in your home or office right now.

Enter Bryan Boyle, a second mate merchant marine who shared a video of the living quarters aboard one of the more hard-working cargo ships out there.

Business Insider reports that Boyle takes us on a tour of all the intricate mechanics that keep the ship moving, as well as the crew and officer’s living quarters on the Maersk ship.

The 291-metre Maersk cargo ship was put to work in 2006, and Boyles video was uploaded in 2019, but it still gives pretty good insight into what life at sea is like.

Boyle’s journey on the ship starts in Norfolk, heading off to several spots in the US before making its way to Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands, among other places.

The video shows Boyle’s room, as well as all the things the crew of 20 to 25 people are able to do for entertainment:

Boyle said that workers’ time off can include a mix of movies and games, as well as gym time.

The video shows the officers’ lounge, which has a ping pong table and TV, as well as the general crews’ lounge, which has a poker table. Boyle explained that during the pandemic crew were even further limited on the activities they could pursue onboard.

“Many ships were not allowed to eat with fellow crew mates or go to the gym,” Boyle told Insider. “You were only allowed in your room or work area.”

Boyle also shows how old and new technologies merge to keep the supply chain moving, from the engine control room to the navigation bridge, and the old gyrocompass.

You can check all that and more below:

It sure does give us added appreciation for our local freight logistics experts, like Berry & Donaldson, who ensure that the entire process runs seamlessly.

Together with the crew, it’s all one slick operation.

[source:businessinsider]