A recent incident involving a cargo ship toppling a major bridge in Baltimore has brought attention to the patchwork system of safety regulations governing massive cargo ships. Critics argue that this system allows freight transporters to evade oversight, making maritime shipping vulnerable and potentially the weakest link in the transportation system.
Thousands of container ships worldwide, responsible for moving over 80% of goods, adhere to rules set by the International Maritime Organization in London. However, enforcement varies as ships may be registered in countries offering lax regulations and tax benefits, leading to concerns about oversight.
