Sal Mercogliano

Sal Mercogliano

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Maritime historian and educator; host, “What’s Going on With Shipping”; ports and ocean logistics.

US Blockade Shift Highlights Iran’s Strait Dominance
SocialApr 14, 2026

US Blockade Shift Highlights Iran’s Strait Dominance

Looks like @ethanlevin did not read the USCENTOM notice that the blockade will not be enforced in the Strait of Hormuz, but in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea. There is no reason to intercept close to the ports,...

By Sal Mercogliano
U.S. Continues to Receive Constant Flow of Tankers
SocialApr 14, 2026

U.S. Continues to Receive Constant Flow of Tankers

Everyone needs to understand that there is ALWAYS a lot of tankers sailing to the United States. This is from December 11, 2025. https://t.co/fEt76V4RVY

By Sal Mercogliano
US Hormuz Blockade Drives Tankers to Atlantic, Rates Surge
SocialApr 14, 2026

US Hormuz Blockade Drives Tankers to Atlantic, Rates Surge

US blockade of Hormuz will steer more tankers toward Atlantic ▶️BRS expects ‘little or no commercial traffic in the strait for the foreseeable future’; sentiment ‘remains under pressure’ as more tonnage heads to Atlantic basin ▶️Aframax rates are still historically high but...

By Sal Mercogliano
USS Bush Bypasses Suez for Security, Training, Not Houthis
SocialApr 14, 2026

USS Bush Bypasses Suez for Security, Training, Not Houthis

Why is the USS George H W Bush sailing around Africa and not through the Suez Canal and the Bab el-Mandeb. Well, there are several possibilities. 1️⃣The US ships are avoiding the Bab el-Mandeb and the Houthis. This is the one being...

By Sal Mercogliano
Fast Support Ships Enable High‑Speed Cape Route
SocialApr 13, 2026

Fast Support Ships Enable High‑Speed Cape Route

🚨NAVAL LOGISTICS🚨 The routing of the Bush Strike Group - carrier George H W Bush (CVN-77), Donald Cook (DDG-75), Mason (DDG-87) and Ross (DDG-71) - highlights a critical @USNavy & @MSCSealift underway replenishment lesson. Sailing from Norfolk to Diego Garcia is 10,500 miles via Cape of...

By Sal Mercogliano
Key Criteria for Legal Blockades: Newport Manual Highlights
SocialApr 13, 2026

Key Criteria for Legal Blockades: Newport Manual Highlights

As we get ready to talk BLOCKADES this morning, everyone needs to dust off their copy of the Newport Manual on the Law of Naval Warfare. Specifically, Chapter 7.4. 1️⃣Notification 2️⃣Effectiveness 3️⃣Impartiability 4️⃣Humanitarian Requirements 5️⃣Access to Neutral Coast https://t.co/Bsx5bUr8JY

By Sal Mercogliano
Trump Orders Full Blockade of Iranian Ports, Effective April 13
SocialApr 13, 2026

Trump Orders Full Blockade of Iranian Ports, Effective April 13

Blockade 1⃣Strait of Hormuz Week 6 Recap 2⃣President Trump Orders a Total Blockade 3⃣CENTCOM to Initiate a Blockade or Iranian ports at 10 AM on April 13 (US Eastern Time) https://t.co/y9KYk0W1G4

By Sal Mercogliano
Blockade Targets All Vessels, Not Just Iranian Ships
SocialApr 12, 2026

Blockade Targets All Vessels, Not Just Iranian Ships

This is a change of tactics. Not sure why a blockade would be directed against "all ships" and not just Iranian ships or those that loaded or unloaded in Iranian ports.

By Sal Mercogliano
US 5th Fleet Shifts to Defend Strait, Countering Iran
SocialApr 11, 2026

US 5th Fleet Shifts to Defend Strait, Countering Iran

So, this is a really well thought out operation by @CENTCOM. The US could not free up aerial and naval forces for clearing the Strait during offensive operations against Iran. With the ceasefire in place, @US5thFleet could divert resources and assets to...

By Sal Mercogliano
US Warships Transit Strait of Hormuz, Enter Persian Gulf
SocialApr 11, 2026

US Warships Transit Strait of Hormuz, Enter Persian Gulf

It looks like USS Michael Murphy and Frank Peterson did sail the Strait of Hormuz into the Persian Gulf and back out. https://t.co/1gEm6RBZGa

By Sal Mercogliano
USS Michael Murphy Detected Near Persian Gulf, Confirmation Sought
SocialApr 11, 2026

USS Michael Murphy Detected Near Persian Gulf, Confirmation Sought

Did the USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112) sail into the Persian Gulf as she showed up on AIS four hours ago? @CENTCOM @US5thFleet @SecWar https://t.co/1sMOpp2WpI

By Sal Mercogliano
Six‑Week Gulf Standoff Pushes Oil Workers to Breaking Point
SocialApr 10, 2026

Six‑Week Gulf Standoff Pushes Oil Workers to Breaking Point

‘Mental breakdown’: oil tanker workers stuck in Gulf for six weeks are reaching their limit https://t.co/Y0T3Q8vOl1

By Sal Mercogliano
Pentagon Expands Pacific Fuel Depots, Echoing Cold War Strategy
SocialApr 10, 2026

Pentagon Expands Pacific Fuel Depots, Echoing Cold War Strategy

"Pentagon Adds to Pacific Refueling Capacity With New Philippine Depot" The Philippines, Port Moresby, and Darwin...that is the plan for American fuel depots in the Pacific. Anyone else getting a weird sense of déjà vu? https://t.co/pPt7iiCkqW https://t.co/rHWT592HIa

By Sal Mercogliano
Discussing Strait of Hormuz on CNN with Laura Coates
SocialApr 10, 2026

Discussing Strait of Hormuz on CNN with Laura Coates

My appearance last night on @CNN with @thelauracoates talking about the Strait of Hormuz. https://t.co/8c9CNwMekq

By Sal Mercogliano
Partnering with Iran Taints Business and Hinders Sanctions Relief
SocialApr 10, 2026

Partnering with Iran Taints Business and Hinders Sanctions Relief

Ed makes the key point concerning tolls. Once you get in bed with Iran, you are doing business with a sanctioned government and whatever you do after is tainted. It will be difficult to conduct business with anyone else. This...

By Sal Mercogliano
Iran's Illegal Strait of Hormuz Hold Undermines U.S. Force
SocialApr 9, 2026

Iran's Illegal Strait of Hormuz Hold Undermines U.S. Force

"Continuing Crisis in Strait of Hormuz: Why Iran’s Hold is Illegal and U.S. Military Force Alone Fails" https://t.co/h8YXNFL0Qe

By Sal Mercogliano
Refresh Your Knowledge of Traffic Separation Schemes
SocialApr 9, 2026

Refresh Your Knowledge of Traffic Separation Schemes

Good idea for everyone to turn their favorite Belgian pilot for a refresher in Traffic Separation Schemes.

By Sal Mercogliano
Ceasefire Declared, Yet No Ships in Hormuz
SocialApr 8, 2026

Ceasefire Declared, Yet No Ships in Hormuz

Iran-United States Ceasefire...WHERE ARE THE SHIPS? | Strait of Hormuz Update April 8, 2026 https://t.co/K9AoSsU89v

By Sal Mercogliano
Seeking Lloydslisted's Optimism on Strait of Hormuz
SocialApr 8, 2026

Seeking Lloydslisted's Optimism on Strait of Hormuz

I want to have the same level of optimism that @Lloydslisted has on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.

By Sal Mercogliano
Tanker Silences AIS at Iran, Wins Navigator's Balls
SocialApr 8, 2026

Tanker Silences AIS at Iran, Wins Navigator's Balls

Today's Biggest Navigator's Balls Award goes to Curacao-flagged 105k ton crude oil tanker Star Line owned by a Panama company, blasting its AIS while pier side at Iran's Kharg Island. P.S. Navigator's Balls refer to the compensating spheres mounted...

By Sal Mercogliano
Iran's Weakened Arsenal Questions Strait Control Agreement
SocialApr 8, 2026

Iran's Weakened Arsenal Questions Strait Control Agreement

Just watched @secwar and Chairman @thejointstaff press conference. Sec Hegseth said the Strait was open but that does not seem to match with the statements coming out of Iran. The litenty of destruction makes it appear that Iran has no offensive...

By Sal Mercogliano
Iran Tries to Impose Toll on Hormuz Shipping
SocialApr 8, 2026

Iran Tries to Impose Toll on Hormuz Shipping

🚨Iran demands fees for ships passing Hormuz during ceasefire🚨 This 'agreement' will confirm Iranian control of the Strait of Hormuz 1️⃣Iran has ZERO authority to monitor what sails into or out of the Persian Gulf 2️⃣The requirement to sail through Iranian waters...

By Sal Mercogliano
Live View: Ships Exit Persian Gulf Into Strait
SocialApr 8, 2026

Live View: Ships Exit Persian Gulf Into Strait

Live shot this morning from the exit or the Persian Gulf into the Strait of Hormuz. https://t.co/O0p7zIFKug

By Sal Mercogliano
Shipowners Eye Gulf Exit, Risk Persists Amid Unclear Protocols
SocialApr 8, 2026

Shipowners Eye Gulf Exit, Risk Persists Amid Unclear Protocols

Shipowners and charterers prepare to move after US and Iran agree ceasefire ▶️Several shipowners are planning swift exits from the Middle East Gulf in the wake of a two-week ceasefire ▶️Industry security officials warn that moving before new protocols are clarified could...

By Sal Mercogliano
Shipowners Consider Exit, Yet Remain Cautiously Patient
SocialApr 8, 2026

Shipowners Consider Exit, Yet Remain Cautiously Patient

World’s Shipowners Are Eyeing the Exit, But They’re Not Rushing For It Just Yet https://t.co/50JyQtqKIq https://t.co/tyv7c76iez

By Sal Mercogliano
Only Two Bulkers Move Out, Rest Remain Stationary
SocialApr 8, 2026

Only Two Bulkers Move Out, Rest Remain Stationary

Checking @MarineTraffic this morning and there is no large scale movement of ships. NJ Earth cleared the toll booth outbound. Daytona Beach is out of Bandar Abbas Iolcos Destiny and New Ambition, both bulkers, are heading outbound to the toll booth after offloading...

By Sal Mercogliano
Iranian Trade Vessels Near Toll Booth, Not Strait Opening
SocialApr 8, 2026

Iranian Trade Vessels Near Toll Booth, Not Strait Opening

Two ships are heading towards the Iran Toll Booth - between Qeshm and Larak Islands. The ships are the 37k ton, St Kitts-Nevis flagged bulk carrier, which just loaded at Busheur, Iran and is sailing for India. The other is the...

By Sal Mercogliano
Watching Strait of Hormuz Traffic Amid Ceasefire Uncertainty
SocialApr 8, 2026

Watching Strait of Hormuz Traffic Amid Ceasefire Uncertainty

Lots of conflicting messages about the proposed ceasefire between the US and Iran. I am waiting to see if there is any movement of ships into the Strait of Hormuz and not through Iran's Toll Booth. https://t.co/poGvHY51S7

By Sal Mercogliano
Open Hormuz Strait Triggers Massive Eastward Market Rush
SocialApr 7, 2026

Open Hormuz Strait Triggers Massive Eastward Market Rush

If the Strait of Hormuz is open, get ready to watch for a stampede to the East. https://t.co/3rohg52Jti

By Sal Mercogliano
Crude and Product Tankers Drive Suez Canal Traffic Surge
SocialApr 7, 2026

Crude and Product Tankers Drive Suez Canal Traffic Surge

Crude tankers and product tankers are resulting in the uptick in passages through the Suez Canal.

By Sal Mercogliano
Liberia Ship Registry Demands Tougher Seafarer Checks
SocialApr 7, 2026

Liberia Ship Registry Demands Tougher Seafarer Checks

World’s Largest Ship Registry Calls for Stricter Seafarer Checks Amid Rising Sanctions Risk @LISCR_LLC: “The regulatory environment has changed, and the industry must adapt,” said Alfonso Castillero, CEO of the Liberian Registry. “We are setting a new standard for the industry...

By Sal Mercogliano
Panama Canal Remains Open Despite Shore Tank Explosion
SocialApr 7, 2026

Panama Canal Remains Open Despite Shore Tank Explosion

Okay...the Panama Canal is not closed. They halted traffic through the canal at the north end, but shipping is still moving under the Bridge of Americas. MV Luna Maersk is outbound right now. The explosion appears to have come...

By Sal Mercogliano
Shipping Alerts Could Have Saved Cuban Cigars, Zyn
SocialApr 6, 2026

Shipping Alerts Could Have Saved Cuban Cigars, Zyn

I am just saying that @citrini could have saved the Cuban cigars and Zyn, and just subscribe to What's Going on With Shipping to get this information. https://t.co/PvJjMTpAaz

By Sal Mercogliano
Middle East Oil Loss Spikes Global Oil Prices
SocialApr 6, 2026

Middle East Oil Loss Spikes Global Oil Prices

Yes...we do get something from the Persian Gulf. 8% of US imports come from the Middle East. More importantly, when you lose Middle East oil, all other oil goes up in price and demand.

By Sal Mercogliano
Strait of Hormuz Traffic Spikes, Iran Toll
SocialApr 5, 2026

Strait of Hormuz Traffic Spikes, Iran Toll

The traffic through the Strait of Hormuz from 0000 hours April 4 (UTC) to 1400 hours April 5. Notice the amount of Traffic going to and from Iran and the use of the Iranian Toll Booth between Qeshm and Larak...

By Sal Mercogliano
Diesel’s Gulf Surplus Makes It Cheaper than VLSFO
SocialApr 5, 2026

Diesel’s Gulf Surplus Makes It Cheaper than VLSFO

One of the most interesting pieces of information I had we relayed to me was that one of the ships stuck in the Persian Gulf loaded with diesel fuel vice Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO). The reason? Diesel was substantially cheaper...

By Sal Mercogliano
Strait of Hormuz: Open, Closed, or Cartoon Chaos?
SocialApr 5, 2026

Strait of Hormuz: Open, Closed, or Cartoon Chaos?

Strait of Hormuz WEEK 5 Update | Is the Strait OPEN or CLOSED? | Have We Gone Full Looney Tunes? Video: https://t.co/UmvO23asx3 https://t.co/WWKZn0XYH6

By Sal Mercogliano
Jones Act Tankers Shield Gas Prices From Market Volatility
SocialApr 4, 2026

Jones Act Tankers Shield Gas Prices From Market Volatility

Example #1 why the JONES ACT worke by providing long-term fixed rate tankers on dedicated service. What would gas prices be today if 55 Jones Act tankers were not in service but we had to compete for MR tankers on...

By Sal Mercogliano
US Missed Early War‑risk Coverage; Strait Security Remains Lacking
SocialApr 4, 2026

US Missed Early War‑risk Coverage; Strait Security Remains Lacking

Okay, this is 5 weeks too late. The US should have had war risk coverage in place on Day 1 when the issue was the lack of sufficient money in the pot. Ships have already obtained war risk through commercial means. The issue...

By Sal Mercogliano
Trump Budget Targets Record US Shipbuilding with 34 Vessels
SocialApr 3, 2026

Trump Budget Targets Record US Shipbuilding with 34 Vessels

Trump budget proposal tees up yard bonanza by taking US ship orders to historic levels White House gears up to propose budget with 34 ships, including vessels built to commercial standards https://t.co/8MB7cVm1I8

By Sal Mercogliano
Hormuz Closure Amplifies Global Trade, Inflation, Financial Strain
SocialApr 1, 2026

Hormuz Closure Amplifies Global Trade, Inflation, Financial Strain

Hormuz disruption deepens global economic strain across trade, prices and finance Latest @UNCTAD report on Hormuz 1⃣Energy corridor halted: The Strait of Hormuz remains “practically closed,” disrupting a critical share of global oil and gas flows. 2⃣Trade losing momentum: Global merchandise trade is...

By Sal Mercogliano
Questioning LSMs' Suitability for Persian Gulf Operations
SocialApr 1, 2026

Questioning LSMs' Suitability for Persian Gulf Operations

Would this be a good time to once again raise the issue of operating small, slow, and poorly armed @USNavy LSMs for the @USMC in a non-permissive environment right now? I mean the Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf...

By Sal Mercogliano
BRS Reveals Massive Hurdles to Trump's Maritime Plans
SocialApr 1, 2026

BRS Reveals Massive Hurdles to Trump's Maritime Plans

BRS exposes the scale of the challenge facing Trump’s maritime ambitions https://t.co/IvPZY54B8L via @splash_247 https://t.co/PBFZYMx229

By Sal Mercogliano
US Ship Finally Reaches Persian Gulf Port, Loads Supplies
SocialApr 1, 2026

US Ship Finally Reaches Persian Gulf Port, Loads Supplies

🚨GOOD HORMUZ NEWS🚨 So, finally some good news. One of the US-flagged 🇺🇸 ships in the Persian Gulf was able to get into a port. While in port, they loaded food, fuel, and water, while conducting a crew change. This is good news,...

By Sal Mercogliano
MT Zea Passes Iranian Toll Booth, Hormuz Update
SocialMar 31, 2026

MT Zea Passes Iranian Toll Booth, Hormuz Update

Sailing out of the Persian Gulf via the Iranian Toll Booth 1⃣Strait of Hormuz Update 31 March 2026 2⃣Where Are all the President's Tankers? 3⃣Sailing on MT Zea via @NewsNation Video: https://t.co/PVC4pY7aWJ

By Sal Mercogliano
Questioning the Claim of Massive Ship Traffic in Hormuz
SocialMar 31, 2026

Questioning the Claim of Massive Ship Traffic in Hormuz

Who is telling @POTUS that "TREMENDOUS NUMBERS OF SHIPS" were sailing through the Strait of Hormuz? https://t.co/D39V2wVqPL

By Sal Mercogliano
No Evidence of 20 Pakistani Tankers; Sanctions Risk Highlighted
SocialMar 31, 2026

No Evidence of 20 Pakistani Tankers; Sanctions Risk Highlighted

Show me your Tier One ships, specifically the 20 Pakistani ships. Just to be clear, Pakistan does not have 20 flagged ships stuck in the Persian Gulf, let alone 20 Pakistani tankers. Where are all these ships that...

By Sal Mercogliano
Presidential Tanker Claims Lack Evidence, only One Seen
SocialMar 31, 2026

Presidential Tanker Claims Lack Evidence, only One Seen

Here is an example of some of the problems associated with the President's comments about 8 to 10 tankers sailing out of the Persian Gulf or the 20 tankers he discussed on Air Force One. There is no evidence of...

By Sal Mercogliano
30 Gulf Ship Attacks Expose US Protection Gaps
SocialMar 31, 2026

30 Gulf Ship Attacks Expose US Protection Gaps

Why is anyone surprised by this with nearly 30 ship attacks in the Persian Gulf since March 1. Add to that, even US flagged ships feel like they are not getting the attention, let alone protection, they deserve.

By Sal Mercogliano