by Przemysław Myszka
It is already autumn, so it is high time to fall in love with another issue of our journal. Jokes and puns aside, the two months following the launch of the 3-4/21 edition were fruitful. First, we released the latest & greatest instalment of the Baltic Yearbook, along our ro-ro & ferry, container, and intermodal rail maps. Second, we put together a 100-page-strong printed booklet gathering the best 2021 reads. While I have nothing against digital books and magazines - quite the contrary, they make reading far more, for want of a better word, borderless - there is still something gratifying, even romantic when you hear the paper rustle of a quality publication. Third, the bulk (dry & liquid) map is also out.
If I may, I would also like to share a very personal achievement, namely publishing my debut book. It is a wholly different pint of ale from transport & logistics, as we are talking about a dark fantasy novel that makes the most of the imagination-kindling Norse & Slavic mythologies. If you like this kind of vibe, then The End / Beginning of Everything may as well be your thing. I have received a few messages from people who are also thinking about putting pen to paper. If I can be of any help, my single advice would be: start, if not today, then tomorrow. It is an adventure worth your while, though it will unmistakably come with its fair share of peaks and troughs. Particularly if you decide to go full self-publishing speed ahead. Headaches and satisfaction are guaranteed!
Getting back to the 5/21 issue, the apple never falls far from the tree, and the autumn edition is packed with best makes. Judging from the cover, biogas has made it atop the agenda, especially its use as a marine fuel (one of the Next Big Fuels, that is). We are housing three reads that touch upon the topic from both optimistic and sceptical points of view. The issue is also interview-rich, with talks about the present & future of the port and ship sectors, with a particular focus on autonomous shipping. Having mentioned technology, our respective column puts the spotlight on the use of Artificial Intelligence for better ship corrosion detection. The Legal section comprises very distinct reads: one on addressing pest contamination in cargo traffic, the other - drug smuggling. With respect to the former, there is a compelling article on antifouling, too. I am also in a jubilant mood that we managed to onboard our friends from VesselsValue to share their insights into global trade: dry and liquid bulk alongside container. As for the bulk goods that go over Baltic ports' quays, the Report part has got your back with our stock-in-trade: heaps of tables, figures, and percentages.
Finally, yet importantly, our Roving Editor, Marek Błuś, did it again, delivering a precious stone for the Collector's corner column. Or rather should I say: a few jewels. Taken together with Transport miscellany, having such an extraordinary person onboard our publication is a real boon.
Whether you are in the office or wrapped in a blanket with a steaming cuppa tea (or your equally warming dram of choice, why not, or maybe even a mug of pumpkin spice plant milk latte to keep you from turning into a pumpkin), savour with us this issue.
Have a great read!
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