economy
March 24, 2026
Billionaire Who Profits from the Hormuz Blockade Revealed
Italian billionaire Gianluigi Aponte could gain a significant advantage in the global shipping market amid uncertainty caused by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Forbes writes.
TL;DR
- Italian billionaire Gianluigi Aponte is reportedly set to gain an advantage in the global shipping market.
- Aponte, co-owner of MSC, is increasing his stake in crude oil transportation by acquiring many ultra-large tankers (VLCCs).
- His involvement with Sinocor has led to the acquisition of at least 60 VLCCs, with a total fleet value estimated at $3.3 billion.
- Together, MSC and Sinocor control approximately 76 supertankers, representing 17% of the global fleet and 39% of spot market tankers.
- Experts suggest this concentration of capacity could allow Aponte to influence oil transport prices.
- This development coincides with increased tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty regarding the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil trade chokepoint.