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 the US declaration of war against Germany on April 6, 1917 due to the Kaiser's Navy targeting and sinking 10 American ships and killing 64 merchant mariners. Initially the American destroyers hunted German U-boats and escorted individual ships. But British Admiral John Jellicoe and US Navy Vice Admiral William S Sims initiated convoy operations. While the German U-boats were not eliminated, the tide was changed in the conflict as sinking dropped and the flow of goods to Europe increased. Today, there is no visible presence of the @USNavy inside the Persian Gulf. There are hundreds of ships, including 5 US-flagged 🇺🇲 vessels within the Gulf. A squadron of Arleigh Burke-class destroyers sailing through Hormuz (akin to the Freedom of Navigation the US performs in the Strait of Taiwan) would be a clear demonstration of the status of the Strait. The longer the ships remain inside the Persian Gulf bottle, the harder it will be to restore trade to its historic levels. Make no mistake, the staff at @US5thFleet has a plan to open the Strait and the surface warfare crews on the destroyers would perform this mission just like the crews of Destroyer Division 8 in 1917. The mission would have risk, but it was John Paul Jones, former merchant mariner turned US Navy sailor who advocated, "I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast, for I intend to go in harm's way."
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.
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
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
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
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
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...
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...
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
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
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
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.
Even in the Wrong Sea, Ships Get Escorted
At least someone is escorting a commercial ship. Wrong sea, but I will take it.
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...
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
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...
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...
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:...
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
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.
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...
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...
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
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...
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...
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...
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
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...
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
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?...
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
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...
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
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...
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
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
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.
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...
Fujairah Outage Forces Costly Global Ship Refueling
This is significant to shipping as Fujairiah is not just a loading port but a MAJOR bunkering port for ships. Without it, this will force refueling around the world where stocks are limited and more expensive.
War-Fueled Tanker Boom Drives TEN’s Profit Surge
TEN expects profit windfall amid war-fuelled tanker boom ▶️Tankers on time charters with profit-sharing arrangements include seven suezmaxes and two VLCCs ▶️War risk insurance rates have jumped by as much as 500% in a week, according to leading owner ▶️New York-listed owner triples...
Iran's Tanker Strike Claim Disproved; Vessel Off Mozambique
"Iran Claims to Strike Tanker for Running Strait of Hormuz Blockade" Unfortunately, @Mar_Ex is following this trend of believing the IRGC. The tanker Prima is off the coast of Mozambique and no where near the Persian Gulf or Strait of...
Strait of Hormuz: Global Economy’s Vital Artery at Risk
If you want to understand global oil trade think of this as the world's circulatory system. Pinching the Strait of Hormuz is like closing a major artery. It will cause damage the longer it is closed and if not careful, you either...
Marine Nationale Likely to Escort French Ships in Contested Waters
Any bets that the @MarineNationale will do what they did in @EUNAVFORASPIDES and escort French vessels through the contested waters for their shipping lines.
Action Expected in the Strait This Week
This week, is when we will see some action in the Strait. Good or bad, we should see some movement.
China's Navy Built for Global Commerce Defense, Gulf Escort Possible
Everyone has always wondered what the PLAN (Chinese Navy) was configured for. We may see this come to fruition if they send a squadron to the Persian Gulf to escort their ships. The PLAN is perfectly sized and...
Beyond Oil: Gulf War Shook Global Container Trade
If you thought oil and energy was the only thing impacted by the Gulf War, hang on to your containers.
Singapore’s Oil Anchor Hub Threatened, Hormuz Gains Crucial Role
Everybody is watching the Strait of Hormuz, but they should also be watching Singapore. The image on the right are all the laden tankers sitting in an around Simgapore. The one in the left, with less ships, are loaded Very...
U.S. DFC Launches $20 Bn Gulf Maritime Reinsurance Plan
"U.S. DFC unveils $20BN plan for maritime reinsurance in the Gulf" The CEO of the DFC looks like someone who would sell you $20B worth of insurance. https://t.co/QRhFuzBtx0 https://t.co/0v78TH7CKl
Floating 100M Barrels Fill Hormuz‑Malacca Gap
If you are not following @TankerTrackers you dont understand the tanker situation. Look at the gap forming between the Strait of Hormuz and Strait of Malacca. Now there is also about 100M barrels of fuel afloat in and around Singapore and...
Iran's Jask Loading Marks Strategic Shift Beyond Gulf
So, Iran loading at Jask is significant as it is outside the Gulf and right on the Gulf of Oman. H/T @TankerTrackers https://t.co/LiGn8YEVqW