As an ex-Merchant navy Captain, I want to highlight something that’s often overlooked: the backbone of global trade – merchant shipping. Without merchant ships, the world would come to a grinding halt. Think about it: almost everything we use, from food to electronics, relies on shipping. 90% of global trade by volume is carried by sea. No merchant ships, no goods, no economy.
People often don’t realize the critical role Merchant navy plays. We’re not just sailors; we’re the lifeline of global supply chains. From fuel to food, medicines to machinery, merchant ships transport it all. Without us, industries would shut down, shelves would be empty, and economies would crumble. The pandemic showed us how fragile global supply chains can be – and how crucial merchant shipping is.
The Merchant navy is often considered a behind-the-scenes industry, but we’re the ones keeping the world moving. Next time you see a ship on the horizon or a container at the port, remember: it’s not just cargo; it’s the lifeblood of global trade.
The recent Iran-US conflict has put the spotlight on the Merchant navy, highlighting their crucial role in global trade. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route, was severely impacted, with around 20% of global oil supplies disrupted. This led to a surge in oil prices, with Brent crude exceeding $100 per barrel, and shipping costs skyrocketing due to increased insurance premiums and rerouting of vessels. The reality is that merchant ships, including those from India, were forced to wait outside the Persian Gulf, awaiting clearance to pass through the strait. This not only delayed deliveries but also increased costs for consumers worldwide. The conflict has underscored the importance of maritime security and the need for stable trade routes.
The Merchant navy’s role in maintaining global supply chains has never been more critical. With the world relying heavily on seaborne trade, ensuring the safe passage of ships through critical chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz is vital.
As an ex-Merchant navy Captain, I want to shine a light on the unsung heroes of global trade – the Merchant navy. For those of us living on shore, it’s easy to take things for granted. We pop into a supermarket, grab what we need, and hardly think about how it got there. But the truth is, without merchant shipping, our lives would be vastly different.
The reality is, Merchant navy is the backbone of global trade. We’re talking food, medicine, fuel, clothing – you name it, we ship it. Around 90% of global trade by volume is carried by sea. That’s a staggering statistic, and it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of sailors around the world.
But here’s the thing: we often don’t get the recognition we deserve. We’re out at sea for months at a time, away from family and loved ones, working tirelessly to keep global supply chains moving. And yet, many people on shore have no idea what we do or how vital our role is.
So, to all the sailors out there, I say: your work matters. You’re the ones keeping the world afloat, literally. And to everyone else, next time you see a ship on the horizon or a container at the port, take a moment to appreciate the hard work of the merchant navy. We’re the ones making sure you get what you need, when you need it.
Marex Media