The Iran War - Crises in Energy and Shipbuilding, Oh My!!!

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Note: this episode was recorded on Wednesday, March 11. That's important to know given the incredibly dynamic situation in the Middle East.

We have a confluence of potential crises to analyze here, and who better to help us with it than the walking encyclopedia AND world atlas, G. Allen Brooks, publisher of the newsletter "Energy Musings?"

Allen and I discuss the energy situation around the Straits of Hormuz bottleneck and its implications for our shipbuilding crisis. Allen highlights the significant disruption caused by the Middle East conflict, affecting 20% of global oil flow and 20% of LNG shipments through the Straits. He emphasizes the critical need for energy security and a viable US shipbuilding industry. Allen discusses the Trump administration's Maritime Action Plan, the challenges of reopening the Jones Act, and the importance of international cooperation. He also stresses the role of nuclear power as a long-term energy solution and the need for champions in the administration and Congress to drive maritime policy.

Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction and Guest Background
04:14 - Current Energy Market Disruptions
10:30 - Impact on Global Supply and Demand
12:19 - Shipbuilding and National Security
17:33 - Trump Administration's Maritime Action Plan
27:20 - Challenges and Opportunities in Maritime Policy
33:30 - Energy Policy and Nuclear Power

This is one of my richest episodes ever, in the depth and rigor of the analysis and opinions Allen brought us. Check out the whole thing!

Links to Allen's articles:

Straits of Hormuz lessons - https://energymusings.substack.com/p/energy-musings-march-13-2026
The Iran situation's reshaping of energy security strategies - https://energymusings.substack.com/p/energy-musings-march-9-2026