Strait of Hormuz: May the Odds Be Ever in Your Favor (Especially Your Shipping Rates)

Not Just Bread Anymore: Shipping Under Siege

Well here we go again. First the Hunger Games now... the Shipping Games? Turns out things are heating up faster than Peeta baking bread only this time it’s not just about survival but also about keeping the world's goods flowing (and affordable). BIMCO the big shots in the shipping world are warning everyone that after the U.S. decided to poke the bear (or rather the nuclear facility) Iran might retaliate in ways that’ll make the seas a lot less friendly. Honestly it's enough to make you want to crawl back into the Seam but the world doesn't stop needing resources just because there are some conflicts aye?

The Houthi Games: Red Sea Edition

And it's not just Iran we have to worry about. The Houthis bless their little insurgent hearts are also feeling spicy. They're threatening ships with ties to Israel or the U.S. That's just great. As if the seas weren't treacherous enough with storms and rogue waves now we have to dodge missiles. I swear sometimes I feel like I'm back in the arena except instead of Careers I'm facing geopolitical instability. Can't we just get a moment of peace?

Hormuz or Hellmouth? Pick Your Poison

So what's the big deal with this Strait of Hormuz anyway? Well apparently it's a major oil highway. If it gets blocked even temporarily global energy prices go bonkers. We're talking about 20% of the world's oil passing through there every day. If that gets cut off we might as well start bartering with squirrels for acorns again. And people complain about the cost of gasoline now...

May the Ports Be Ever in Your Favor?

Maersk those folks who move mountains of shipping containers are already pulling out of Haifa Israel. Smart move if you ask me. Who wants to be a sitting duck for Iranian missiles? Meanwhile freight rates are going through the roof. Getting your stuff from Shanghai to Jebel Ali is now 55% more expensive than it was last month. Apparently dodging potential explosions costs extra. Who knew? I'd like to think if Haymitch was a ship owner he'd find a way to make money from this madness.

Fuel Costs: The Real Hunger Games

And hold on to your hats because it gets worse. The tankers hauling oil are charging 154% more to go from the Middle East to China! Fuel costs are up because ships are speeding through the danger zones. Faster sailing means more fuel and more fuel means more money. Who wins? The oil companies of course. It’s always the Capitol isn’t it?

BIMCO's Guide to Not Getting Blown Up (Maybe)

So what does BIMCO suggest? Well they’re not exactly sending us into the arena with a pat on the back and a wink. They're saying shipowners should think hard about their security risks and maybe steer clear of the Iranian coast. Good advice but easier said than done when you have contracts to fulfill. They also want ships to be extra vigilant report anything suspicious and make sure their firefighting equipment is up to snuff. Basically they want everyone to be prepared for the worst. Just like the Hunger Games... only with more paperwork and less televised death. All they're missing is for ships to pick up items scattered around the area like water bottles and medicine. I think I'd skip those thank you very much. I'd rather try my luck with the Careers.