Sal Mercogliano

Sal Mercogliano

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

Strait of Hormuz Turns Into Iranian Shipping Checkpoint
SocialMar 18, 2026

Strait of Hormuz Turns Into Iranian Shipping Checkpoint

Has the Strait of Hormuz Chokepoint Become a Checkpoint for Iranian Shipping? 1️⃣Maritime Chokepoints Last 5 Years 2️⃣Strait of Hormuz Update 3️⃣Iranian Checkpoint? 4️⃣Was the Strait a US priority? 5️⃣Does Iran controls 35% of global trade? Video: https://t.co/Y6wyU7NtIy https://t.co/yWBvF0lsuB

By Sal Mercogliano
Iranian-Linked Tankers Still Dominate Hormuz Despite Attacks
SocialMar 17, 2026

Iranian-Linked Tankers Still Dominate Hormuz Despite Attacks

India- and Pakistan-owned ships transit Strait of Hormuz ▶️Iranian-linked tonnage still dominates Hormuz transits ▶️Attacks on shipping are succeeding in halting crossings ▶️Eastbound transits prevail westbound journeys ▶️US ‘fine’ with Iranian tankers sailing through Hormuz to ‘supply’ the rest of the...

By Sal Mercogliano
China-Linked Hormuz Traffic Plummets, VLCCs Shift to Red Sea
SocialMar 17, 2026

China-Linked Hormuz Traffic Plummets, VLCCs Shift to Red Sea

China-linked Hormuz transits retreat to shipping’s opaque fringes ▶️China-linked traffic through Hormuz has slowed sharply after recent attacks, with transits largely confined to an opaque bulker and one sanctioned VLCC ▶️Mainstream Chinese state-owned tanker fleets continue to stay out, citing safety, insurance...

By Sal Mercogliano
India Seeks Iran's Guarantee for 30 Hormuz Shipments
SocialMar 17, 2026

India Seeks Iran's Guarantee for 30 Hormuz Shipments

India talks with Iran on safe Hormuz passage for up to 30 ships Vessels carrying LNG, LPG and oil earmarked to follow the voyages of two VLGCs https://t.co/3X81uYIrqD

By Sal Mercogliano
War Risk Premiums Surge as Iranian Attacks Intensify
SocialMar 17, 2026

War Risk Premiums Surge as Iranian Attacks Intensify

War risk rates soar as Iranians ramp up ship attacks US reinsurance scheme light on details as convoy plans out of reach for now https://t.co/BoE7xMfsVr

By Sal Mercogliano
India, Pakistan Provide Escorts for Hormuz Strait Traffic
SocialMar 17, 2026

India, Pakistan Provide Escorts for Hormuz Strait Traffic

India and Pakistan Offering Escorts as Ships Pass Through Strait of Hormuz https://t.co/NgQFHd2nAa #maritime #maritime-news

By Sal Mercogliano
Iran's Growing Grip Threatens Strait of Hormuz Traffic
SocialMar 16, 2026

Iran's Growing Grip Threatens Strait of Hormuz Traffic

Some Ships Are Eastbound and Down from the Strait of Hormuz | March 16, 2026 1⃣Star Gwyneth Sails Through 2⃣Greek Tankers Set to Run 3⃣Iran May be Verifying Ships 4⃣Allies Rebuff Trump Request for Escorts 5⃣Has Iran Gained Control of the Strait? Video: https://t.co/ztLPpT7oYf https://t.co/iwTzLQlwoa

By Sal Mercogliano
Iran Likely Vetting Vessels Before Hormuz Exit
SocialMar 16, 2026

Iran Likely Vetting Vessels Before Hormuz Exit

"Ship Tracking Suggests Iran May Be Verifying Ships Before Allowing Hormuz Exit" Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the Ayatollah Khomeini Memorial Thruway. https://t.co/mT7tw2wjxp https://t.co/VaIa1Vv21k

By Sal Mercogliano
US‑Owned, Marshall‑Flagged Bulker Bolts Through Strait
SocialMar 16, 2026

US‑Owned, Marshall‑Flagged Bulker Bolts Through Strait

The Star Bulk bulker Star Gwyenth bolted and made the run though the Strait and out. She is Marshall Is-flagged but US owned. https://t.co/2eQ7Lwqh17

By Sal Mercogliano
Chokepoints: Repeated Disruptions Threaten Global Trade
SocialMar 15, 2026

Chokepoints: Repeated Disruptions Threaten Global Trade

🚨WHY CHOKEPOINTS ARE IMPORTANT?🚨 Think about the issues we have experienced with maritime chokepoints over the last five years. 2021: Ever Given shut down the Suez Canal for 6 days. 2022: Russia invades Ukraine and disrupts the Turkish Strait. 2023-24: Panama Canal lower water...

By Sal Mercogliano
Urgent Call: Allied Warships Needed in Hormuz
SocialMar 15, 2026

Urgent Call: Allied Warships Needed in Hormuz

Strait of Hormuz Update 15 March 2026 1⃣ Five Maritime Stories from Around the World 2⃣ Strait of Hormuz/Persian Gulf Update 3⃣ The Call for Allied Warships 4⃣ Minesweepers 5⃣ Historical Parallel to Strait of Hormuz Video: https://t.co/ETPsN2XFIX https://t.co/oOEKhMM28I

By Sal Mercogliano
From WWI Convoys to Invisible US Navy in Gulf
SocialMar 15, 2026

From WWI Convoys to Invisible US Navy in Gulf

🚨Return of the Mayflower🚨 On May 4, 1917, six US destroyers of Destroyer Division Eight under Commander Joseph Taussig arrived in Cobh (today Queenstown), Ireland. The ships were the first of a vanguard of 35 American destroyers that arrived in Europe after...

By Sal Mercogliano
Two LCS Mine‑Countermeasure Ships Deployed to Malaysia Amid Regional Pullback
SocialMar 15, 2026

Two LCS Mine‑Countermeasure Ships Deployed to Malaysia Amid Regional Pullback

So 2 of the 3 Littoral Combat Ships outfitted with the mines countermeasures package is in Malaysia? Not sure about Canberra but this seems like a strange time to pull a major element from the region.

By Sal Mercogliano
Hormuz Threat Lulls: No New Attacks, Interference Persists
SocialMar 14, 2026

Hormuz Threat Lulls: No New Attacks, Interference Persists

🚨Mar 14 Hormuz Update🚨 1️⃣Confirmed attacks: 20 2️⃣Attacks last 24 hrs:0 3️⃣Passage last 24 hrs: 2 4️⃣Average passage: 138 5️⃣Electronic interference: widespread https://t.co/nQ4ZTet45o

By Sal Mercogliano
Convoy Escorts Likely Limited to National‑interest Vessels
SocialMar 14, 2026

Convoy Escorts Likely Limited to National‑interest Vessels

Let's talk about how this works as it will not be a unified convoy operation, probably. If it is like the Red Sea, then they will escort the ships they have a national interest in, only. https://t.co/FxZMYvlZSu

By Sal Mercogliano
Hormuz Blockade Triggers Energy, Shipping, and Food Crises
SocialMar 14, 2026

Hormuz Blockade Triggers Energy, Shipping, and Food Crises

🚨Strait of Hormuz Disruptions🚨 Implications of Global Trade and Development by @UNCTAD 1️⃣Energy Surge 2️⃣Soaring Shipping Crisis 3️⃣Insurance Spikes 4️⃣Fertilizer & Food Security 5️⃣Insurance Spikes & Higher Borrowing Costs https://t.co/SxnLDTDmwG

By Sal Mercogliano
Delaware Bay Barge Fire Extinguished, Salvage Operations Begin
SocialMar 14, 2026

Delaware Bay Barge Fire Extinguished, Salvage Operations Begin

The barge fire on Delaware Bay has been extinguished and the scene turned over to the salvors. https://t.co/uqBwjXnG5z

By Sal Mercogliano
Tiny $22.67
SocialMar 14, 2026

Tiny $22.67

What will it take for a shipowner to run the Strait? $500,000/day charter rate. The crews receive a war risk bonus of 100% their daily rate. The minimum wage for seafarers is $680/month. So the $22.67/day extra is a small drop in the bucket...

By Sal Mercogliano
US Lacks Effective Red Sea Escort, Shipping Still Unsafe
SocialMar 14, 2026

US Lacks Effective Red Sea Escort, Shipping Still Unsafe

Breakdown of @POTUS statement: 1️⃣Allied warships took over the Red Sea after Operation Prosperity Guardian in Yemen. Shipping traffic did not return. 2️⃣If they can still send a drone, mine or missile, than you have not destroyed 100%. While the...

By Sal Mercogliano
Shipowners Risk Mines and Missiles to Smuggle Oil
SocialMar 14, 2026

Shipowners Risk Mines and Missiles to Smuggle Oil

Lured by Profits, Some Shipowners Brave Mines and Missiles to Sneak Oil Past Iran https://t.co/rCFiJE3YzS

By Sal Mercogliano
Only 20% of Stranded Bulkers Cleared Through Hormuz
SocialMar 14, 2026

Only 20% of Stranded Bulkers Cleared Through Hormuz

36 bulk carrier transits of the Strait of Hormuz Of around 240 bulkers stranded in the Arabian Gulf nearly 20% have transited out via the Strait of Hormuz since the Iran war started says Signal Ocean https://t.co/tnMA4QjJ1W

By Sal Mercogliano
Hegseth Downplays Strait of Hormuz Tensions
SocialMar 13, 2026

Hegseth Downplays Strait of Hormuz Tensions

Secretary Hegseth on the Strait of Hormuz: DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT | March 13, 2026 Update Video: https://t.co/P2LCJM2Jqm https://t.co/u911Em6TwP

By Sal Mercogliano
Concern Grows Over Strategic Strait of Hormuz Tensions
SocialMar 13, 2026

Concern Grows Over Strategic Strait of Hormuz Tensions

I am sorry @SecWar, but there are some of us are worried about the Strait of Hormuz.

By Sal Mercogliano
Even in the Wrong Sea, Ships Get Escorted
SocialMar 13, 2026

Even in the Wrong Sea, Ships Get Escorted

At least someone is escorting a commercial ship. Wrong sea, but I will take it.

By Sal Mercogliano
Delayed US Naval Escorts Spark Doubts over Hormuz Strategy
SocialMar 13, 2026

Delayed US Naval Escorts Spark Doubts over Hormuz Strategy

It is 5,000 miles from Japan to the Strait of Hormuz. Even if the ships left early and conduct a high transit speed that is 10 to 14 days to get to the scene. If this is going...

By Sal Mercogliano
US Ignores Hormuz Closure Risk Amid Iran Bombings
SocialMar 13, 2026

US Ignores Hormuz Closure Risk Amid Iran Bombings

How does the US not plan on the closing of the Strait of Hormuz when it executes a multi-week bombing campaign against Iran. https://t.co/PD1g7fvdte

By Sal Mercogliano
USNS Catawba Solo Tug Arrives as Salvage Ships Delayed
SocialMar 12, 2026

USNS Catawba Solo Tug Arrives as Salvage Ships Delayed

My buddy @NextNavy makes a great point. The @USNavy and @MSCSealift usually has one fleet tug in the area, the venerable USNS Catawba. But she arrived at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean on March 9. The new class of fleet...

By Sal Mercogliano
Jones Act Waiver Sparks Shipping Policy Clash Amid Global Tensions
SocialMar 12, 2026

Jones Act Waiver Sparks Shipping Policy Clash Amid Global Tensions

Stand by for the brawl between the pro-Jones Act supporters @AMPmaritime and those who favor repeal @CatoInstitute over this proposed Jones Act waiver. Whenever there is a shipping crisis, you can count on this issue to be raised and @SecretaryWright should...

By Sal Mercogliano
Chios Lion Images Show July 2024 Attack, Not Recent
SocialMar 12, 2026

Chios Lion Images Show July 2024 Attack, Not Recent

🚨CHIOS LION 🚨 Anyone seeing images of the Houthis attacking the tanker Chios Lion in the Red Sea, this is a PAST attack. This took place off Yemen on July 14, 2024. I have a story from @gCaptain linked below:...

By Sal Mercogliano
Iran Opens Hormuz to Indian Tankers, Shifts Trade Route
SocialMar 12, 2026

Iran Opens Hormuz to Indian Tankers, Shifts Trade Route

"Indian Source Says Iran to Allow India-Flagged Tankers Through Hormuz as First Tanker Arrives" Looks like the Strait of Hormuz will be the new Bab el-Mandeb 🍻 https://t.co/370QXTDJC2

By Sal Mercogliano
Port Firefighters Quell Two Tanker Blazes at Once
SocialMar 12, 2026

Port Firefighters Quell Two Tanker Blazes at Once

Look at that, having proper firefighting capability in a port can actually extinguish not one, but two ship fires simultaneously.

By Sal Mercogliano
Iranian Threats Freeze Hormuz Shipping, Spiking Insurance Rates
SocialMar 12, 2026

Iranian Threats Freeze Hormuz Shipping, Spiking Insurance Rates

Last week, shipping ground to a halt due to the threat of attacks based on Iranian past actions. This caused insurance to reset and increase its levels. This week, it is the actual attacks and threats that are holding the ships...

By Sal Mercogliano
Middle East VLCC Indexes Hold, Atlantic Rates Plunge
SocialMar 12, 2026

Middle East VLCC Indexes Hold, Atlantic Rates Plunge

Middle East VLCC indexes are still near peak but Atlantic rates are sinking ▶️Baltic Exchange’s Middle East Gulf indexes are down only 5%-7% vs wartime peak, while Atlantic basin indexes are down 35%-39% ▶️VLCC owner stocks reached multi-decade or all-time highs on...

By Sal Mercogliano
Merchant Ships Face Turbulent Day in Hormuz Strait
SocialMar 12, 2026

Merchant Ships Face Turbulent Day in Hormuz Strait

It Was a Bad Day for Merchant Mariners in the Strait of Hormuz | March 11, 2026 Video: https://t.co/dY5IeBnvWF https://t.co/5AFou3YOMp

By Sal Mercogliano
Iranian USVs Ignite Two Oil Tankers, 400k Barrels Threatened
SocialMar 11, 2026

Iranian USVs Ignite Two Oil Tankers, 400k Barrels Threatened

The Malta-flagged 50k ton Greek-owned tanker and Marshall Is-flagged 74k ton American-owned tanker is on fire in the anchorage off Iraq. It is suspected the ships were hit by Iranian unmanned surface vessels (USVs). The ships were involved...

By Sal Mercogliano
Hormuz Threat Persists: Vessels Still Hit by Projectiles
SocialMar 11, 2026

Hormuz Threat Persists: Vessels Still Hit by Projectiles

🚨HORMUZ UPDATE 11 MARCH🚨 ▶️The story in the Persian Gulf and Strait has changed. ▶️The initial shutdown of shipping was due to insurance. That has largely been resolved through commercial contracts. ▶️The issue now is not fiscal security, by the physical security of...

By Sal Mercogliano
Insurance Secured, Now Focus on Regional Security
SocialMar 11, 2026

Insurance Secured, Now Focus on Regional Security

According to everyone I have spoken to, the insurance issue has been largely resolved and ships have sufficient war risk coverage. The issue now, is the safety and security of the region, which falls upon @CENTCOM and @US5thFleet and the regional...

By Sal Mercogliano
Iranian Naval Attacks Mirror Houthi Red Sea Threats
SocialMar 11, 2026

Iranian Naval Attacks Mirror Houthi Red Sea Threats

The Iranians seem as skilled at targeting ships as the Houthis in the Red Sea. https://t.co/K0O7c7Jd1G

By Sal Mercogliano
Navy Oiler Grounded After Captain Takes Risky Shortcut
SocialMar 11, 2026

Navy Oiler Grounded After Captain Takes Risky Shortcut

Some great timing with the report on the grounding of USNS Big Horn of @MSCSealift coming to light as operations are underway in the same region with USS Lincoln. "A US Navy oiler ran hard aground after its captain urged a...

By Sal Mercogliano
EU Naval Escorts Secure Red Sea Shipping Since June
SocialMar 11, 2026

EU Naval Escorts Secure Red Sea Shipping Since June

Meanwhile, over in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb, the European Union navies of @EUNAVFORASPIDES are escorting European ships through the region against the Houthis, who have not attacked a ship since June. https://t.co/PmfgtJBba8

By Sal Mercogliano
US Navy Swaps 35‑year Mine Sweepers for LCSs
SocialMar 10, 2026

US Navy Swaps 35‑year Mine Sweepers for LCSs

Everyone...there is no need to panic about mines. The US Navy has kept four mine countermeasure vessels in the Persian Gulf for the past 35 years. These ships and crews have trained for this very circumstance. WAIT...what is that?...

By Sal Mercogliano
US Navy Escort Uncertainty Threatens Global Trade via Hormuz
SocialMar 10, 2026

US Navy Escort Uncertainty Threatens Global Trade via Hormuz

Hormuz Disruptions, US Navy Escort Plans (or lack of) and Impact on Global Trade 1⃣Strait of Hormuz Update: March 10, 2026 2⃣Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Caine Statement on Escorts 3⃣UNCTAD Report on Hormuz Shipping Disruptions Video: https://t.co/vS32XQeQDb https://t.co/ZfQwkBUMGW

By Sal Mercogliano
Seeking Clarity on US Tanker Escort in Strait
SocialMar 10, 2026

Seeking Clarity on US Tanker Escort in Strait

I have so many questions: 1⃣ Was it into or out of the Strait? 2⃣ What tanker and nationality was it? 3⃣ How was the escort accomplished, warship, aircraft or a combination of both? 4⃣ What about the five US...

By Sal Mercogliano
Chinese‑crewed Marshall Islands Bulker Repeats Red Sea Pattern
SocialMar 10, 2026

Chinese‑crewed Marshall Islands Bulker Repeats Red Sea Pattern

The Marshal Islands-bulker KSL Laiyang is running the Strait. She is broadcasting on AIS "China Owners & Crew". This is EXACTLY what we saw happen in the Red Sea against the Houthis. Expect to see more of this. https://t.co/LSCESnEDKI

By Sal Mercogliano
Caine's Escort Plans Reveal Lack of Pre‑existing Strategy
SocialMar 10, 2026

Caine's Escort Plans Reveal Lack of Pre‑existing Strategy

General Caine was asked about escorting and his comment was, "on the potential, if tasked to escort, we'll look at the range of options." 1⃣Has @CENTCOM @US5thFleet not have these options already planned out and war gamed? 2⃣So, there is...

By Sal Mercogliano
MSC Halts Gulf Voyages, Adds $800 Surcharge Amid Iran Conflict
SocialMar 10, 2026

MSC Halts Gulf Voyages, Adds $800 Surcharge Amid Iran Conflict

Iran war leads largest shipping line to terminate Mideast Gulf voyages, levy $800 charge: MSC diverting shipments to safe ports https://t.co/pnC0RAgj2Y

By Sal Mercogliano
Trump Vows ‘Death, Fire, Fury’ over Hormuz Closure
SocialMar 10, 2026

Trump Vows ‘Death, Fire, Fury’ over Hormuz Closure

Trump threatens ‘Death, Fire and Fury’ if Iran closes Strait of Hormuz The US President claims the war on Iran is "very complete" but also hasn’t ruled out taking over the Strait https://t.co/xy4DfQoYYm

By Sal Mercogliano
Uncertainty Over Chinese Type 055/052 Escort Role
SocialMar 9, 2026

Uncertainty Over Chinese Type 055/052 Escort Role

I know that the Chinese Navy has a Type 055 and 052 in the area, but I am not sure if they are escorting.

By Sal Mercogliano
Italian Frigate Leads Limited Red Sea Escort Operations
SocialMar 9, 2026

Italian Frigate Leads Limited Red Sea Escort Operations

Here is your example of escorts in operations. But this is @EUNAVFORASPIDES in the Red Sea. Note the limited number of ships and the fact that they are owned or operated by an Italian form with an Italian frigate. There are 5 US...

By Sal Mercogliano