All matters of shipping on the sea (not so much on land) are examined in this massive tome of all things maritime. If you wanted to know how ships get balanced for their cargo and why invasive species are able to expand in marine ecosystems, this is the book for you. Also notable are the many insights on existing companies, taking this book out of the field of the merely academic.
Best practices, massive blunders, systemic problems and similar matters are all discussed in the book, with excellent story examples to hammer the points home. Several rules that I've noted include never mistreating your crew, always respecting safety regulations despite how tedious they may sound, and keeping your eyes and ears open 24/7.
That might sound trite, but after weeks on a tin box people lose their minds and stop being disciplined. This book definitely gives a solid grounding in maritime transport, as well it should given its title. Strongly recommend.
9/10