Sizing Up the Economic Impact of the Baltimore Bridge Collapse
The Port of Baltimore is known for handling coal, sugar and specialized vehicles such as tractors and cranes
The INFORMS Analytics+ Conference showcased how companies are turning advanced analytics and AI into measurable operational results
Fake Hermès Birkin bags and other counterfeit luxury goods are popular not only with people on a budget, but also with those with deeper pockets, a new study suggests.
Researchers from the National University of Singapore analyzed millions of counterfeit purchases by American consumers from more than 24,000 U.S. zip codes on a major cross-border, e-commerce platform. They found that both lower- and higher-income individuals are “significantly more likely” to buy fake luxury items than middle-income consumers, according to a press release by INFORMS on Monday.
'Ghost ships' are vessels that disappear from public tracking systems, their location manipulated or their digital record misleading. An estimated 65% of outbound tankers crossing the Strait of Hormuz operate in dark mode, reducing visibility and increasing supply chain uncertainty. Misinformation in vessel tracking can cause manufacturing delays, compliance risks and financial losses. Layered verification processes, combining AIS data with other sources and escalation triggers for handling uncertain shipments, can help mitigate risk.
An audio journey of how data and analytics save lives, save money and solve problems.

Jeff Cohen
Chief Strategy Officer
INFORMS
Catonsville, MD
[email protected]
443-757-3565
Explore our resources for multiple topics including:
The Port of Baltimore is known for handling coal, sugar and specialized vehicles such as tractors and cranes
"The Key Bridge and Port of Baltimore are critical components of our nation’s infrastructure and supply chain,” the American Trucking Association said.
In a major blow to commerce in the region, the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore is partially shut down after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed Tuesday morning when it was struck by a cargo ship.
Business, port and government leaders on Tuesday afternoon were busy trying to address the impact of the bridge's destruction while first responders scoured the waters below the bridge to search for victims.
Until the wee hours of Tuesday morning, the shattered Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore arced across the lanes where shipping traffic headed in and out of port. It was also part of a major interstate highway along the Northeast Corridor.

OR/MS Today is the INFORMS member magazine that shares the latest research and best practices in operations research, analytics and the management sciences.
Access OR/MS Today Magazine
Analytics magazine showcases articles and research reports based on big data, AI, machine learning, data analytics and other new-age technologies.
Access Analytics Magazine