Season 2 · Episode 1643
Merchant Shipping Isn't Just Big Boats
It's not just container ships and tankers. Here's the full ecosystem of merchant vessels—and why their differences matter.
My Weird Prompts · Daniel Rosehill
March 28, 202618m 22s
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Show Notes
The phrase "merchant shipping" conjures images of big gray cargo ships, but that picture is hilariously incomplete. Today we unpack the full diversity of commercial vessels—from dry bulk carriers to LNG tankers—and explore why understanding these differences is critical for grasping global trade risks. We examine how vessel type determines geopolitical exposure, insurance costs, and route dependency, especially in chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz. You'll learn why some ships can reroute while others are locked in, how flags of convenience complicate regulation, and what new 2026 shipping rules aim to fix. By the end, you'll never think about "merchant ships" the same way again.