gcaptain

• The real problem is not the size of the ports it's that the ports use outdated technology. Ports in China and Europe are highly automated and they can move containers at and amazing rate. American ports are slow because the unions fear that automation will cost their members jobs and because union rules support policies that lead to slower load rates (the longer it takes, the more hours union members rack up. One expert told me that this ship could be offloaded in Europe in 2-3 days but it would take the port of Los Angeles over a week to offload her.... And Maersk can not afford to leave an expensive ship like this one tied to the dock for that long.

Only one: "She's a beautiful ship alright. Shapely. Seductive. I'm gonna Fly Her Brains Out!"

My favorite quotes as a captain was Steve Zissou's classic line "Hey intern, go plug this in and make me a Latte." (a captain has to have his coffee!)

What, didn't you see Mark Wahlberg's film "Contraband"? There are a thousand places to hide heroin, weapons and people on a ship like this.

Yes, but that's only half the equation... It's also that transporting 18,000 containers at once is more efficient than making two 9,000 container trips.

The minimum crew required by law is only 14 people but Maersk plans on crewing her with at least 20. Shocking considering that a Nimitz class carrier holds more than 5000 people ( Ship's Company: 3,000-3,200, air wing: 1,500, other: 500) and is 67.2 meters (220 feet) shorter in length!