The Shipping Wizard of Kirkcaldy

One of the United Kingdom's largest and last remaining Cargo Liner and Tramp Ship operators has survived into the 21st century, despite the advent of the containership, which has swept most traditional American and British shipping companies from the world's oceans. The Shipping Wizard of Kirkcaldy takes a look at the influences of the 19th-century entrepreneurs who shaped 20th-century international commerce.

The United States succeeded Britain as the world's economic superpower, but the shift was as inevitable as it was beneficial for the betterment of the world at large. In many ways, the common cultural heritage of both countries ensured a smooth transition. The ensuing Great Depression of the 1930s, followed by WWII, marked America's global maturity and firmly planted her name on the 20th century.

But time moves on, and today's international problems require completely new answers. The westward shift of global hegemony may not be accomplished as smoothly and beneficially as it was before, and may come a lot sooner than many of us would think or like. International commerce is today increasingly dominated by Eastern Powers, which might inevitably lead to a self-interested State involvement with monopolistic tendencies.