Farewell to the most important woman in 20th century US shipping

This is a fascinating portrait of arguably the most important woman in US shipping in the 20^th century, Helen Delich Bentley. The former FMC chair and US Congresswoman, died at the weekend, aged 92. “A formidable woman”, variously described as “cantankerous”and “tough”, she started as a journalist at the Baltimore Sun, covering the port, but quickly became politicised and an expert on maritime issues. As FMC chairwoman, she held the highest position of any woman in Nixon’s administration. Her love for Baltimore meant she fought hard to get the port dredged, convinced this could secure its future, and she worked as mediator between labour and management. Whether you have heard of her or not, this article paints a picture of an amazing woman. Worth a read.