For Jonathan Saul's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Events have conspired to disrupt the fragile flow of raw materials, parts and consumer goods, according to companies, economists and shipping specialists.
The United Nations describes the situation as a humanitarian crisis at sea and says governments should class seafarers as essential workers.
Companies including Japan's Kawasaki Heavy Industries are beginning to develop a new generation of vessels that can deliver hydrogen to heavy industry.
A probe reveals an intricate tale of missing documentation, secrecy and a web of small, obscure companies that span the globe.
Some of the world's largest oil traders have hired supertankers to store crude at sea, marking a milestone in the build-up of the global glut. Trading firms including Vitol, Trafigura and energy major Shell have all booked crude tankers for up to 12 months, freight ...
