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Dr. Salvatore R. Mercogliano
Maritime Historian, Campbell University & Podcast Host, What’s Going On With Shipping?
Dr. Salvatore R. Mercogliano is a maritime historian, associate professor, and former merchant mariner, widely recognized for his expertise in maritime history and policy. He earned a B.S. in Marine Transportation from the State University of New York Maritime College in 1989, along with a merchant marine deck officer license (unlimited tonnage 2nd mate), and sailed with the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command, including service as a 3rd Mate on the USNS Comfort during the Persian Gulf War. Furthering his education, he obtained an M.A. in Maritime History and Nautical Archaeology from East Carolina University and a Ph.D. in Military and Naval History from the University of Alabama. Currently, he serves as the Chair of the Department of History, Criminal Justice, and Political Science at Campbell University in North Carolina. Mercogliano has been honored twice as Campbell’s Professor of the Year and received the Dean’s Excellence in Teaching Award. He is also an adjunct professor at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, teaching Maritime Industry Policy, and serves as a trustee for the National Maritime Historical Society and council member of the North American Society for Oceanic History.
Beyond academia, Dr. Mercogliano is a prominent commentator on maritime affairs, gaining widespread recognition through his YouTube channel, What’s Going on With Shipping?, launched in 2021 following the Suez Canal blockage by the MV Ever Given. His engaging analyses of global shipping trends, maritime trade, and industry challenges have made him a respected voice, with media appearances on BBC, CNN, NPR, Al Jazeera, and others. A prolific writer, he has authored Fourth Arm of Defense: Sealift and Maritime Logistics in the Vietnam War and published articles in Sea History, Naval History, Proceedings, and gCaptain. Additionally, Mercogliano is a North Carolina certified firefighter, EMT, and rescue technician, serving as a captain focused on training. Married to Lieutenant Commander Kathy Mercogliano, a former shipmate, he resides in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, and continues to bridge historical scholarship with contemporary maritime issues through his teaching, writing, and public commentary.
2025 Event Agenda Sessions
KEYNOTE: A New Era of U.S. Maritime Strategy
The SHIPS for America Act marks a major shift in U.S. maritime policy, with ambitious long-term goals to revitalize shipbuilding, grow the Strategic Commercial Fleet, and strengthen the workforce. In the near term, stronger enforcement of Cargo Preference laws and increased policy momentum are already reshaping how government cargo is allocated and how U.S.-flag carriers engage commercially. Added to this, Section 301 tariffs are shifting cargo flows and sourcing decisions, creating both challenges and opportunities. This keynote explores the driving forces behind the Act and what they mean for U.S. industry and global partners.
Wednesday 01 October 10:40 - 11:00 Main Stage
Industry Strategy
The SHIPS for America Act marks a major shift in U.S. maritime policy, with ambitious long-term goals to revitalize shipbuilding, grow the Strategic Commercial Fleet, and strengthen the workforce. In the near term, stronger enforcement of Cargo Preference laws and increased policy momentum are already reshaping how government cargo is allocated and how U.S.-flag carriers engage commercially. Added to this, Section 301 tariffs are shifting cargo flows and sourcing decisions, creating both challenges and opportunities. This keynote explores the driving forces behind the Act and what they mean for U.S. industry and global partners.
KEYNOTE PANEL: Navigating the New Maritime Landscape
Following the keynote, a panel of experts from the maritime, shipbuilding, and project cargo sectors will discuss how these changes are being felt across the industry today. The conversation will explore the real-world impact of policy shifts, the outlook for U.S.-flag competitiveness, and how stakeholders can prepare for the next phase of U.S. maritime resurgence.
Wednesday 01 October 11:00 - 11:35 Main Stage
Industry Strategy
Main Stage America/Chicago
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