Episode
Tracking Tankers Through Chaos: Shadow Fleets, Blockades, and the New Oil War
- Podcast
- Oil Ground Up
- Published
- Apr 29, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3288
- Processing state
not_requested
Actions
POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/oil-ground-up-5975771/episodes/tracking-tankers-through-chaos-shadow-fleets-blockades-and-the-new-oil-war/transcription-requests
Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode.GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/oil-ground-up-5975771/tracking-tankers-through-chaos-shadow-fleets-blockades-and-the-new-oil-war.md
Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource.
Summary
Maritime intelligence expert Michelle Bockmann joins the Oil Ground Up podcast to unpack the unprecedented disruption in global oil flows following the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. She explains how Iran’s shadow fleet has continued operating under the radar while broader tanker traffic has collapsed, with U.S. enforcement sharply curtailing exports and reshaping global supply routes. The conversation dives into the complexities of tracking “dark” vessels, the role of satellite intelligence, and the growing challenges posed by GPS jamming, drone warfare, and misinformation in maritime data. Bockmann also highlights the human and commercial realities behind the crisis, from stranded crews and insurance breakdowns to the difficult risk calculations facing shipowners. As oil markets grapple with dislocated supply chains, she outlines why reopening the Strait could take weeks to clear and months to normalize. The discussion further explores geopolitical ripple effects, including OPEC tensions and shifting trade flows through alternative routes like the Red Sea. Ultimately, Bockmann offers a grounded view on what to watch next, emphasizing that while the blockade is effective, uncertainty and disruption remain the defining features of today’s global oil market.