I was a US Civilian Mariner (aka merchant marine) for 16 years or so and a licensed officer for the last 4 years. I recently changed professions due to a welcome addition to my family that I can't bear to leave for months at a time! I'm not here to tell you the Ever Given situation isn't meaningful, I think it is. What I can do is tell you what it's like to live and work in the industry, share my training and experience with large ocean going vessels. Basically I'd like to help dispel nonsense so we can all get to the truth and look good doing it!
I just got off work and I'm starting my weekend, so I'll be back to answer any questions after a good sleep.
What about someone “shutting down power” from a distance. Like an EMP. Could that knock out the control on a ship like this? Maybe leaving the engine running?
Well... I'd imagine an emp would be difficult to impossible to target that specifically. It would take out all kinds off ship electronics and probably not be great for anything else in the vicinity!
Yes. But what if such technology did exist?
It would be very cool.
I mean what would happen to the ship? Would you still be able to steer it if all electronic systems went down?