Maritime tensions: Land routes emerge as a strategic alternative to 'shadow fleets'

The past two years have seen a surge in 'shadow fleets' and ghost tankers sailing without tracking devices, turning global supply chains into geopolitical battlegrounds. From the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb to the Caribbean Sea, vessels now face regular interceptions, inspections, and military seizures, such as the capture of the Bella 1 tanker by U.S. forces. This volatility, driven by great power rivalries and efforts to curb economies through energy supply disruption, has pushed nations to reassess their logistics. As the risks of maritime transport multiply, pipelines and land corridors have become essential for stability. Key projects, including the 'Power of Siberia' pipelines, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and emerging transit networks across Russia, Iran, and South Asia, are gaining prominence. Similarly, reliance on terrestrial infrastructure in nations like Saudi Arabia and Algeria highlights a broader global shift: as international waters become increasingly hazardous, the world is shifting its logistical focus toward land-based energy and trade routes.