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Cargo Ships

Commentary

The Suez Grounding Was an Accident. The Next Blocked Chokepoint Might Not Be

The recent spectacle of a hulking container ship wedged into the Suez Canal is a reminder of how vulnerable maritime transportation is to blocked chokepoints. The fragility of maritime lifelines may encourage the use of this tactic in future conflict.

Mar 30, 2021
Commentary

Who Has the Will to Fight Piracy?

The recent French and American rescues of hostages held by pirates off the coast of Somalia were necessary and proper. No one believes these actions will end piracy. But unless we impose risks on the pirates—which means taking some risks ourselves—piracy will certainly flourish, writes Brian Michael Jenkins.

Apr 21, 2009
Research Brief

Piracy and Terrorism at Sea: A Rising Challenge for U.S. Security

This research brief summarizes RAND's analysis of recent trends in piracy and maritime terrorism, which pose a significant threat. The United States has taken only limited steps to enhance maritime security; broader measures are required.

Apr 30, 2008
Research Brief

Getting the Most Out of Littoral Combat Ships

This research brief summarizes analysis of the Littoral Combat Ship, the U.S. Navy's first modular warship, suggesting the best locations for homeports, mission package installation sites, and the quantity of mission packages that should be procured.

Mar 11, 2008
News Release

RAND Supply Chain Policy Center to Research Critical Issues in Freight Transportation

May 9, 2007 news release: RAND Supply Chain Policy Center to Research Critical Issues in Freight Transportation.

May 9, 2007
Journal Article

The Container Security Initiative and Ocean Container Threats

This paper analyzes one program, the Container Security Initiative, which inspects high-risk U.S.-bound containers at foreign ports.

Jan 1, 2007
News Release

RAND Study Warns Maritime Terrorism Risk Extends Beyond Dangers Posed to Container Shipping

October 16, 2006 News Release: RAND Study Warns Maritime Terrorism Risk Extends Beyond Dangers Posed to Container Shipping.

Oct 16, 2006
Report

Maritime Terrorism Risk Extends Beyond Dangers Posed to Container Shipping

Maritime counterterrorism efforts should not only focus on the security of cargo container ships, rail cars and trucks. Cruise ships and ferry boats need more protection against terrorist attacks that could kill and injure many passengers and cause serious financial losses.

Oct 13, 2006
Commentary

Securing America's Ports

Published commentary by RAND staff: Securing America's Ports, in the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Mar 26, 2006
Research Brief

Diversifying the Customer Base for Shipbuilding in the United Kingdom

UK's attempts to re-enter the commercial shipbuilding market or enter the military ship export market would face daunting challenges. Design breakthroughs by the UK could help its competitive position, but such advances require risky investments.

Nov 25, 2005
Research Brief

Assessing Container Security: A Framework for Measuring Performance of the Global Supply Chain

Since 9/11, several programs have been implemented to improve security of the global supply chain. In reviewing these programs, this study concludes that supply-chain efficiency and security are distinct but interconnected and recommends considering ...

Nov 25, 2005
Commentary

Katrina Shows Supply Chain Needs National Attention

Published commentary by RAND staff: Katrina Shows Supply Chain Needs National Attention in the Los Angeles Business Journal.

Sep 26, 2005
Report

Differences Between Military and Commercial Shipbuilding: Implications for the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence

Looks at the feasibility of UK shipbuilders expanding outside their domestic military contracts into the worldwide commercial or foreign military markets.

Jun 15, 2005
Report

De onderbouwing van DGG-beleid (The Foundation of Freight Policy): Een procesbesschrijving voor het gebruik van beleidsinhoudelijke gegevens (A Process Description for Performance Measurement Within the Policy Process)

A process analysis to support implementation of a new budgetary process, which shows that three different processes interact and compete for the attention of policymakers: the budgetary, data collection, and policy making processes.

Mar 29, 2005
Commentary

Strengthening the Partnership

Published commentary by RAND staff.

Feb 22, 2005
Report

Evaluating the Viability of 100 Per Cent Container Inspection at America's Ports

As U.S. maritime security adapts to the terrorist threat, we argue that quantitative analysis should be used to evaluate security initiatives and present a case study of one proposed measure: 100 percent scanning of containers entering the country.

Jan 1, 2005
Commentary

Africa Suffers Wave of Maritime Violence

Southeast Asia and, especially Indonesia, continues to constitute the main area of concern when it comes to maritime piracy, typically accounting for over half the attacks reported in any given year. However, Africa is experiencing an increasingly serious problem, particularly around the Horn on the ...

Apr 1, 2001
Report

Dual-Use Technology Program for a Passenger-Cargo Rotorcraft

Declining budgets are reducing the number of new military acquisition starts. The Army needs to consider new ways of doing business that will permit it to get the most from the acquisition dollars available.

Jan 1, 1995
Report

Alternative Concepts for Managing the Distribution of Resupply Cargo

Offers several alternatives for improving the management of resupply operations in Department of Defense (DOD)'s future distribution system, along with a framework for evaluating them.

Jan 1, 1991
Report

Fast Sealift and Maritime Prepositioning Options for Improving Sealift Capabilities

Considers (1) the extent to which future U.S. flag merchant ships and existing government and sealift programs can support potential future force deployments and (2) the kinds of ships that should be built if additional sealift capabilities are required.

Jan 1, 1991

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RAND Topic:
Cargo Ships

Topic Synonyms:
Freighter

Research conducted by

RAND Social and Economic Well-Being