Tariffs, Tugs, & Icebreakers: Surviving the Maritime Mess

In the finale of our Best of 2025 series, we’re highlighting the modes and legalities that usually stay "out of sight, out of mind." We start with Jason Aristides of Open Tug, who is bringing tech to the 12,000 miles of US inland waterways. Then, maritime law expert Lauren Beagen joins us to break down the residual effects of the 2025 port labor strikes and the new Office of Shipbuilding. We wrap up with Grace Sharkey, diving into the "Icebreaker Race" in the Arctic and the shady reality of celebrity private label brands.

Key Takeaways:  

• Why barges are 85% greener than trucks (and 70% cheaper). 
• The truth about the "Hub and Spoke" model in carrier alliances. 
• How the US is falling behind in Arctic "chess" with only two functional icebreakers. 

Timestamps:

• 03:50 – Open Tug: Standardizing the River System 
• 39:51 – Port Strikes & Automation 
• 1:39:51 – The Polar Silk Road & Arctic Shipping 
• 2:09:49 – The Private Label Paradox

Feedback? Ideas for a future episode? Shoot us a text here to let us know.

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