Seatrade Maritime Podcast

The war in Iran is dominating headlines with the impact on shipping and trade high up the agenda.
In this episode, Marcus Hand, Editor of Seatrade Maritime News speaks with Punit Oza, Founder of Maritime NXT, about the ongoing war in Iran and its significant implications for global trade. They discuss the changing geopolitical landscape, the role of misinformation in modern conflicts, and how the effective closure of Strait of Hormuz is affecting energy supplies and food security.
The discussion between Punit and Marcus covers:
The changing nature of the Middle East and US involvement in oil trade
Role of misinformation and social media in modern warfare
Direct economic and trade impacts of the conflict
Indirect economic challenges
A revival of renewable energy due to high prices
Who are the beneficiaries of the war?
The long term impact on geopolitical and trade relationships
Listen to the full episode now to learn more
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to ensure you don't miss our latest uploads. Don't forget to join the conversation and let us know what topics you want us to cover in future on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn
For the latest news on the shipping and maritime industries, make sure you visit www.searade-maritime.com and subscribe to our newsletter.

Follow Punit Oza:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/punit-oza-fics-afni-llb-m-sc-6149893/

In this episode, we examine the impact of significant disruptions in shipping operations due to the escalating conflict in the Gulf region.
Seatrade Maritime News Editor Marcus Hand speaks with maritime lawyer Menelaus Kouzoupis, Partner with Stephenson Harwood, who provides insights into the legal implications for shipowners navigating these turbulent times. From the de facto closure of the Straits of Hormuz to the skyrocketing war risk insurance premiums, this discussion sheds light on the complex challenges faced by the shipping industry amidst geopolitical tensions.
The conversation covers
The current situation
Is the Strait of Hormuz closed?
The impact on insurance premiums
Vessels stranded in the Gulf – who pays?
Can a shipowner refuse to sail?
The risks to vessels stranded in the region
The difficult situation faced by crew
The possibility of naval escorts

Listen now to hear more about all of these crucial topics
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to ensure you don't miss our latest uploads.
For the latest news on the shipping and maritime industries, visit www.searade-maritime.com.
Connect with Marcus Hand, Editor of Seatrade Maritime News:
Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcushand1
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-hand-b00a317/

Don't forget to join the conversation and let us know what topics you want us to cover in future on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn

Panama port battle, Hapag-Lloyd buys Zim, and VLCCs go bananas.
These are just some of the stories that are covered in the latest episode of Maritime in Minutes.
Seatrade Maritime News’ Marcus Hand and Gary Howard reflect on the month of February, with their highlights from the news in maritime and shipping, from the biggest stories to those that simply piqued their interest.
Listeners please note this episode was recorded the day prior to the US/Israel attack on Iran on 28 February
Hear more about:
Panama declares CK Hutchison’s Panama Ports concession unconstitutional
CK Hutchison: Panama terminal takeover ‘unlawful’, ceases operations
Six-year jail sentence for Solong captain
Container lines’ Red Sea mixed messages confuse shippers
SeaLead plummets in shipping line rankings
Hapag-Lloyd’s acquisition of Zim an era defining moment
Trump’s Maritime Action Plan floats foreign built vessel US port fee
Gemini shines as container line punctuality plummets in 2026
Red hot VLCC market hits new highs amid US – Iran tensions
Reward offered for ‘missing’ dark fleet VLCC
Listen to the full episode now

Red Sea hokey-kokey, the top risk for shipping businesses in 2026, and a booming dark fleet market.
These are just some of the stories that are covered in the latest episode of Maritime in Minutes.
Seatrade Maritime News’ Marcus Hand and Gary Howard reflect on the month of January, with their highlights from the news in maritime and shipping, from the biggest stories to those that simply piqued their interest.
Hear more about:
IMO rules understate benefits of utilising captured carbon, says GCMD
Singapore report highlights crew fatigue in Hafnia Nile and Ceres I collision
Shipping sees regulatory changes as biggest risk to business in 2026
Asian shipping execs negative on IMO Net Zero Framework prospects
CMA CGM reverts services to Cape of Good Hope
Two dead, 15 rescued from capsized bulker off Philippines
Repeat orders mark wind propulsion success stories
Dark fleet ship-to-ship transfers off Malaysia more than double
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to ensure you don't miss our latest uploads.
For the latest news on the shipping and maritime industries, visit www.searade-maritime.com
Connect with Marcus Hand:
Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcushand1
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-hand-b00a317/

Connect with Gary Howard:
Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GaryLeeHoward
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garyleehoward/

Don't forget to join the conversation and let us know what topics you want us to cover in future on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn

Shipping operates in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment and companies have to deal with delicate government relationships at a level of corporate diplomacy.
In this episode, we explore the intersection of geopolitics and maritime trade with Dr. Mary Papaschinopoulou and Neofytos Kourtesis from Mardiplo.
In a conversation led by host Punit Oza, Founder of Maritime NXT, they share their insights on how shipping companies navigate complex geopolitical challenges and the importance of corporate diplomacy in today's uncertain environment. Discover real-life success stories and learn how to effectively manage stakeholder relationships in the maritime industry.
Learn more about:
The role Mardiplo plays
Success story in Bangladesh
Managing stakeholder relationships
The role of technology
Recruiting the next generation

Listen to the full episode to the get the full picture of the evolving world of corporate diplomacy
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to ensure you don't miss our latest uploads. Don't forget to join the conversation and let us know what topics you want us to cover in future on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn
For the latest news on the shipping and maritime industries, make sure you visit www.searade-maritime.com and subscribe to our newsletter.

Follow Punit Oza:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/punit-oza-fics-afni-llb-m-sc-6149893/