The hottest Shipping Substack posts right now

Attacks around the Strait of Hormuz and mass insurer withdrawals have effectively shut the waterway, stopping most commercial shipping and sending oil and other commodity prices sharply higher.
The disruption is spilling into other systems: fertilizer supplies and production are constrained, desalination and water infrastructure face damage risks, and pollution from strikes is creating public health hazards.
Governments are using emergency tools like releasing strategic reserves and proposing a short Jones Act waiver, but widespread force majeure claims and a pulled insurance market mean supply shocks and higher prices could last.

Insurance companies are making record profits even as headlines claim a climate-driven insurance crisis, and recent premium hikes seem driven in part by rules to account for “climate risk” and the growth of risk-modeling services.
The issue presents data across many areas — dark oil tankers, moderates’ confidence in science, an energy skills gap, red-state/blue-state electricity price differences, southern-hemisphere wheat, and a comeback of climate-realist views.
More analysis is coming, including a follow-up on insurance and climate and a ranked list of major climate-research scandals, and the full material is available to paying subscribers.

Arctic shipping shortens distances but brings high extra costs and risks—ice‑class ships, slower speeds, higher insurance, and unreliable schedules—so only bulk, time‑insensitive cargo is likely to benefit in the near term.
Greenland’s rare‑earth deposits can diversify and stabilize critical mineral supply for things like EV motors, but higher extraction and logistics costs mean a modest price premium rather than cheaper consumer goods.
Glacial rock flour could materially lower fertilizer costs and boost crop yields, putting downward pressure on food prices long‑term, but that outcome hinges on solving expensive bulk shipping logistics or monetizing carbon credits to cover transport.

Shipping is responsible for transporting 90% of everything, making it extremely efficient and cheap, which has changed the world economy.
The supply of container ships and oil tankers is extremely tight, with high rates and very few new deliveries coming online, potentially leading to future disruptions and inflation.
Global shipping is a critical indicator of economic activity and can be impacted by geopolitics, ESG trends, and global trade patterns like deglobalization.

BYD, a Chinese electric car manufacturer, has entered the shipping industry by building RORO vessels to transport their vehicles globally.
In 2023, BYD shipped 240,000 vehicles overseas, a significant increase from the previous years and a clear indication of their growth in the market.
RORO vessels have been uncommon due to the effects of the 2008 recession, with most vehicle manufacturers owning their fleets, making BYD's move notable.

Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

New tariffs from China and USPS delivery issues may hurt Temu and Shein's low pricing options in the US.
If shipping costs go up, these companies might have to raise prices or take a hit on their profits.
Both companies are already facing scrutiny over their practices, so new regulations could make it even harder for them in the competitive market.

Automation of the supply chain is crucial for lowering shipping costs and reaching more people at a lower cost.
Innovative mailboxes can revolutionize how goods are delivered, making it bidirectional and enabling easier access to global markets for home producers.
Automated mailboxes have the potential to streamline product returns, recycling, and extend the sharing economy to every household item.

Founders need to be aware of unexpected costs, like tariffs, that can hit their business hard. It's important to have a plan in place before these situations arise.
When facing high tariffs, businesses may have to make tough choices like raising prices or assuming losses. Flexibility is key to navigate these challenges successfully.
Margins can make a big difference in surviving financial shocks. Having good margins helps a business stay afloat during unpredictable situations.

Logistics and freight payments can be complex and challenging due to the intricate flow of goods and the variety of payment-related documents involved.
Loop has developed a platform to centralize and structure freight payment data, enabling automation of invoice audits, dispute resolution, scenario planning, and more, resulting in significant cost savings and increased productivity for customers.
Loop's unique data layer, automation capabilities, and focus on customer value creation give them a competitive edge in the market, setting them apart from traditional freight audit firms and software solutions.

The Merchant Navy operates at a massive scale, which offers valuable lessons in managing large operations efficiently.
The industry plays a crucial role in global supply chains, moving billions of tons of goods that we rely on daily.
Despite facing challenges like rough weather and long voyages, the Merchant Navy manages operations with relatively small crews of 20 to 30 members.