Thread by @latimes

This 90-year-old family business acts as a supermarket to ships and seafarers — an especially tough task these days.

@RonWLATimes reports on what it’s been like for Harbor Ship Supply amid the COVID-19 pandemic and global supply chain crisis. latimes.com/business/story…

When ships arrive from distant ports, Harbor Ship Supply is called upon to restock them with a wide variety of goods, including groceries, tools and all manner of gifts for sailors' friends and family back home.

“You name it, we’ve delivered it.” latimes.com/business/story…

Harbor Ship Supply is trying to stay afloat, facing challenges that some experts say won’t ease this year.

Some say the global supply chain that moves goods from raw materials to factories to consumers’ homes has been permanently altered. latimes.com/business/story…

Harbor Ship Supply is among the shrinking ranks of ship chandlers, a name that derives from the French word for candles, once a key item onboard ship.

Now, popular items include sugar, flour, cleaning supplies and toilet paper. latimes.com/business/story…

On a recent morning, a containership needed 2 pallets of bottled water. A vehicle carrier requested Brussels sprouts, oranges and other fruits and vegetables. A crude oil tanker needed sponges and cigarettes.

But acquiring those products has become harder latimes.com/business/story…

The most unusual aspect of the job?

Covering trips that seafarers used to be able to make on their own, before COVID precautions forced them to stay on their ships.

This includes treks to Best Buy, fast food restaurants and beyond.

@RonWLATimes reports: latimes.com/business/story…