Is Oil Blocked or Flowing? Co-Founder of Tanker Trackers Samir Madani Joins WGOW Shipping
n this episode of What's Going on With Shipping?, host Sal Mercogliano sits down with Samir Madani, Co-Founder of TankerTrackers.com, to analyze real-time maritime intelligence and determine the true state of global crude and refined product flows.
With escalating tensions across critical maritime choke points—from the Strait of Hormuz to the Red Sea—separating headline noise from actual AIS and satellite tracking data is more vital than ever. Samir breaks down how dark fleets operate, how tanker traffic is really moving, and what the numbers reveal about global energy security.
Key Discussion Points & Takeaways:

The Reality of Global Choke Points: An in-depth look at vessel movements through critical bottlenecks like the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, and the Suez Canal.

Behind the Data with TankerTrackers: How satellite imagery, AIS tracking, and proprietary intelligence decode real oil shipments vs. phantom movements.

Dark Fleets & Sanctions Evasion: How crude continues to move through ship-to-ship (STS) transfers, spoofing, and flag changes.

Supply Chain & Market Impacts: What disrupted trade routes mean for global freight rates, insurance premiums, and tanker capacity.

Strategic Outlook: Where commercial shipping and geopolitical friction head next in the Middle East and beyond.
00:00 – Introduction: Global Oil Flows & Maritime Tensions
02:15 – Introducing Samir Madani, Co-Founder of TankerTrackers.com
05:40 – How TankerTrackers Uses Satellite Imagery & AIS Data
10:15 – Is the Strait of Hormuz Blocked or Flowing?
16:30 – Tracking the "Dark Fleet" & Sanctions Evasion Techniques
22:45 – Ship-to-Ship (STS) Transfers & Spoofing Tactics
28:50 – Red Sea & Bab el-Mandeb: Rerouting Around Africa
34:10 – Impact on Global Freight Rates, Tanker Capacity & Insurance
39:45 – Geopolitical Risks & Future Outlook for Energy Security
45:30 – Final Thoughts & Where to Follow TankerTrackers
48:15 – Conclusion & Wrap-Up