Sal Mercogliano- What’s Going on With Shipping?
11JUN2026 The Secret US “Dark Fleet”: Breaking the Strait of Hormuz Blockade?
In this episode, Sal Mercogliano dives into the surprising revelations from President Trump and Energy Secretary Wright regarding a clandestine U.S. operation in the Strait of Hormuz. Is the United States running its own “dark fleet” to bypass Iranian threats?
We piece together the “aha” moments—from the reactivation of Project Freedom and the use of US Navy tactical advisors to the recent data from Bloomberg and Tanker Trackers showing side-to-side oil transfers in the Gulf of Oman. We’ll analyze how these “dark transits” are moving millions of barrels of non-Iranian oil and what this means for global markets and maritime security.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ef4eGaZky0E
Sal Mercogliano- What’s Going on With Shipping?
17JUN2026 Sal Mercogliano dives into the growing confusion surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. While political announcements suggest a breakthrough and an immediate end to the naval blockade, the reality on the water—tracked by AIS data and maritime insurance rates—tells a different story.
In this episode, we break down:
⚓Rhetoric vs. Reality: Why the recent political announcements may be jeopardizing the lives of merchant mariners.
⚓The AIS Data: A deep dive into current traffic patterns, showing who is “running dark” and why the Omani channel is the preferred route for those avoiding the Iranian “toll booth.”
⚓The Economic Explosion: Analyzing the hypothetical $412,888 per day tanker rates and what they mean for global energy costs.
⚓War Risk Insurance: How underwriters are reacting to the “fragile stabilization” and what a $5 billion potential loss event looks like for the industry.
⚓The Long-Term Impact: Why the “Great Blue Commons” is under threat and how the cost of geopolitical uncertainty is being added to every barrel of oil.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgfuFo7jaEE