Between swirling geopolitical winds, the variables of climate change and continued disruptions resulting from the pandemic, the risks of depending on ships to carry goods around the planet were already conspicuous.
The pitfalls of relying on factories across oceans to supply everyday items like clothing and critical wares like medical devices were at once vivid and unrelenting.
Off Yemen, Houthi rebels have been firing missiles at container ships in what they say is a show of solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
In Central America, a dearth of rainfall, linked to climate change, has limited passage through the Panama Canal.
That has impeded a crucial link between the Atlantic and the Pacific, delaying shipments to the East Coast of the United States from Asia.
Organizations:
Atlantic, Pacific
Locations:
Baltimore, Patapsco, American, Yemen, Gaza, Suez, Asia, Europe, Africa, Central America, Panama, East Coast, United States