Working in Morehead

Working this week at the State Port in Morehead City. Similar to the Wilmington Port but smaller.

While there I found out that there are hundreds of ships worldwide that are “laid up” due to the recession.

Many ships anchor at sea off the coasts of various countries. For example, I was told Spain has a couple hundred anchored offshore. Lots of ships are anchored in the Mediterranean and Gulf of Mexico since there’s lots of room and the water is generally calmer.

Some ships, like the Maersk Texas, are berthed in port to wait out the economy. The MT pays $1,000 per day to berth at Morehead City. There’s a tiny maintenance crew aboard. If it were anchored at sea, it would need a full crew aboard – the same as though it were working. With minimal crew, less wear and tear on the machinery and components, and burning almost no fuel – it’s less expensive to dock than to stay at sea.

 

The large platform is a helicopter landing pad that was retrofitted to the ship. The ramp allows access directly into the ship for ports that don’t have cranes. (The ship also has deck cranes)

Notice the waterline - look at where the ship and dock meet. The waterline is high in front (bow) sloping down towards the back (stern). The container holds and deck are empty - the weight of her machinery, engine, superstructure, etc. load her down in the rear.

(She's pointy up and out in front - phat in the rear. ba-donka-donk! LOL)

Another interesting thing about the Maersk Texas – I was told it was hijacked (or attempted hijack) off Somalia (could not confirm).

NCAAT and NIT

This is my favorite 3 weeks of the year. I love watching college basketball.

Go Wolfpack!