Shedding Light on the Shadow Fleet
The Decisive Podcast: Insights and analysis to empower confident decision-making.
Release Date: 06/14/2025
Inflation Dynamics in an Uncertain World
The Decisive Podcast: Insights and analysis to empower confident decision-making.
In this episode of The Decisive Podcast, host Kristen Hallam is joined by , Vice President of Global Economics at S&P Global Market Intelligence, to explore the pressing issue of inflation in today's economic landscape. As economies worldwide grapple with the aftermath of various shocks—including the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts—rising prices remain a critical concern for consumers, businesses, and policymakers alike. Speaking in a June interview, Ken provides an insightful overview of current global inflation trends, highlighting key factors driving these changes, such...
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Zombies at Sea and Other Deceptive Shipping Practices: Maritime State of Play
The Decisive Podcast: Insights and analysis to empower confident decision-making.
In this episode of The Decisive podcast, host Kristen Hallam engages with Jeremy Domballe, Product Director of Maritime Intelligence and Risk, to explore the complex world of deceptive shipping practices as highlighted in the latest Maritime State of Play report. The discussion explores the rise of "zombie ships"—vessels that assume the identities of decommissioned ships—and the technological vulnerabilities that facilitate such deceptions. Listeners will learn how geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding sanctions on oil from countries like Russia, Iran and Venezuela, drive these...
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Searching for Value Amid Uncertainty: A Sneak Peek at Inland 25
The Decisive Podcast: Insights and analysis to empower confident decision-making.
In this episode of The Decisive Podcast, host Kristen Hallam covers the upcoming Inland Distribution Conference, also known as Inland25, scheduled to take place in Chicago starting September 29th. Joined by Eric Johnson, Senior Editor at the Journal of Commerce from S&P Global, they explore the significance of this event for shippers, logistics companies, and other stakeholders in the industry. The conversation highlights the conference's theme, "Searching for Value Amid Uncertainty," reflecting the current economic climate and its impact on the logistics sector. Eric shares insights on...
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Wired Together: ASEAN Economies and Electronics
The Decisive Podcast: Insights and analysis to empower confident decision-making.
In this episode of The Decisive Podcast, guest host , Principal Economist on the Pricing and Purchasing team, dives deep into the implications of the modified country-specific tariffs imposed by the U.S. on ASEAN economies. Joined by expert guests , Economics Associate Director in Singapore, and Yan Hoong, Lead Electronics Economist in Kuala Lumpur, the discussion explores how these tariffs are reshaping trade dynamics within the ASEAN region and the global electronics supply chain. Listeners will gain insights into how ASEAN countries are responding to the U.S. tariffs, the current state of...
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A Mid-Year Check-In on the Global Economy
The Decisive Podcast: Insights and analysis to empower confident decision-making.
In this episode of The Decisive Podcast, host Kristen Hallam introduces a team of S&P Global economists to discuss the latest analysis and predictions for the global economy as we move into the latter half of 2025. Taken from a recent webinar, the discussion delves into key macroeconomic themes, including the ongoing uncertainty surrounding trade policies, divergent inflation dynamics, and the impact of fiscal sustainability on major economies. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the expected moderation of U.S. growth, the struggles of Europe's largest economies, and the resilience...
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PMI in Focus: Inflation Insights and Expectations for 2026
The Decisive Podcast: Insights and analysis to empower confident decision-making.
In this episode of The Decisive Podcast, S&P Global Market Intelligence's team of Purchasing Managers' Index economists decodes inflation, highlighting the stark differences between the US and Eurozone. Join host and fellow economists and as they explore the underlying factors driving these trends, including tariffs and exchange rate movements. The team analyzes the latest PMI numbers from Germany and discuss how inflation expectations shape price pressures and client behavior, using Ghana as a compelling case study. The economists also look for clues into what firms...
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Takeaways on Tariffs Following July 9 Developments
The Decisive Podcast: Insights and analysis to empower confident decision-making.
In this episode of The Decisive Podcast, host Kristen Hallam is joined by S&P Global Market Intelligence experts and to unpack the latest developments in U.S. tariffs and trade policy as of July 9. With the U.S. administration's approach to leveraging tariffs as a negotiation tool, the experts assess recent agreements with countries like Vietnam, the U.K., and China, and the complexities surrounding ongoing negotiations. The team also examines the implications of transshipment practices, particularly in Southeast Asia, and the legal challenges currently facing tariff implementations. As...
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Strategic Opportunities: Flipping the Script on the Risk Story
The Decisive Podcast: Insights and analysis to empower confident decision-making.
How do you identify which markets present the best opportunity for growth, and which are especially vulnerable to fluctuating trade and tariff policies? In this episode of The Decisive podcast, host Kristen Hallam uncovers the origin stories behind two tools created to address these key questions: the Strategic Opportunity Index (SOI) and the Trade and Tariff Vulnerability Index (TTV). Joining Kristen for this discussion are expert guests Cassandra Pagan, Justin Valentino, and Natasha McSwiggan. The discussion begins with an exploration of the SOI, designed to provide clarity in a...
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MENA in Focus: Potential for Conflict and Cooperation
The Decisive Podcast: Insights and analysis to empower confident decision-making.
In this episode of The Decisive Podcast, host Kristen Hallam is joined by analysts Jacob Lees Weiss and Kevjn Lim to explore the intricate and rapidly shifting risk landscape in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Recorded before significant military operations in Iran, the discussion explores nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran, the implications of potential sanctions, and the dynamics of Israeli military strategy. The episode highlights key geopolitical tensions, including the evolving relationship between the US and Israel and the impact of these factors on the...
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Happier Berth Days: Why Congestion at the World's Ports Matters
The Decisive Podcast: Insights and analysis to empower confident decision-making.
In this episode of The Decisive Podcast, host Kristen Hallam is joined by Max Janthur, the product specialist for Port Performance, to delve into the critical issue of congestion at the world's ports. As global trade continues to evolve, understanding the role of ports becomes increasingly vital for economies and supply chains. Max shares insights from the latest Port Performance report, highlighting the significant risks and impacts of port congestion, including increased operational costs, supply chain disruptions, and environmental concerns. The discussion explores key metrics related to...
info_outlineIn this episode of the Decisive Podcast, host Kristen Hallam dives deep into the complex world of the maritime shadow fleet, exploring its emergence and evolution since the introduction of the oil price cap on December 5, 2022. Joined by Ines Nastali, Senior Supply Chain Analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence, the discussion covers how these oil tankers operate outside traditional regulatory frameworks, often evading sanctions imposed by various governments.
Listeners will gain insights into the size and characteristics of the shadow fleet, which includes an estimated 940 tankers, many of which are older vessels that may not meet modern safety standards. Ines shares key statistics, including the significant increase in shadow fleet activity and the sophisticated tactics employed by these vessels to circumvent sanctions, such as turning off AIS signals and engaging in ship-to-ship transfers.
The episode also highlights recent enforcement actions taken against shadow fleet vessels, particularly in the Baltic Sea, and discusses the environmental and safety concerns associated with these aging ships. Tune in to understand the implications of the shadow fleet on global oil trade and the evolving landscape of maritime compliance.
Whether you're a maritime professional, a supply chain analyst, or simply curious about the intricacies of global oil transportation, this episode offers valuable insights and a comprehensive overview of a pressing issue in today's geopolitical climate.
More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content:
- Maritime shadow fleet − Formation, operation and continuing risk for sanctions compliance teams in 2025
- Fraudulent flags: Growing challenge for maritime safety
- The New Tariff Reality: Preparing for Disruption, Defending Your Margins
Credits:
- Host: Kristen Hallam
- Guest: Ines Nastali
- Produced By: Kristen Hallam
- Edited By: Marz Marcello
- Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun