If the rising tensions from Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have underscored anything, it’s how fragile—and essential—the global shipping economy really is. Even the threat of disruption has sent oil prices surging and risked popping the AI bubble, exposing how much modern economies still depend on maritime infrastructure.
And, in the U.S., a quieter maritime crisis is unfolding—this time in the workforce: its shipbuilding industry is facing a shortfall of 200,000 to 250,000 workers over the next decade, spanning critical roles like welding, soldering, and frontline management, according to a McKinsey analysis of U.S. Department of Labor data. That’s on top of an already greying workforce: 27% of shipbuilders are 55 or older.
