Bloomberg Businessweek Trade and Geopolitics on the High Seas
Jan 28, 2026
Stamatis Tsantanis, CEO of Seanergy and United Maritime, leads huge Capesize fleets hauling iron ore, coal and bauxite worldwide. He discusses how wars and geopolitical tension force route changes and longer trips. He talks about surging metals demand from defense and AI, rising shipbuilding and inflationary costs, and big infrastructure bets in the Middle East and China.
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Geopolitics Fuels Commodity Demand
- Geopolitical instability is increasing demand for raw materials like steel, iron ore, and bauxite.
- Stamatis Tsantanis says military and strategic rebuilding amplifies long-term commodity needs.
Rerouting Raises Costs And Capacity Needs
- Avoiding high-risk zones like the Red Sea and Black Sea forces longer voyages and route diversions.
- Stamatis Tsantanis explains these detours increase fleet needs and push freight rates higher.
Shipbuilding Costs Are Climbing Fast
- Shipbuilding costs have surged due to inflation and raw-material price rises.
- Stamatis Tsantanis notes China is building many ships, driving prices upward globally.