In consideration of tanker escorts, some ballpark figures.
- Estimated cost one Constellation class frigate: $1,300 million per hull. (or LCS at about $500 million per hull)
- Cost of one “supertanker” Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC): $80-$120 million
- Value of cargo of one VLCC (at $100/bbl): $20 million
- One Shahed 136 “kamikaze” drone: $0.02 – $0.05 million
- One anti-ship ballistic missile: $1-$2 million
- One contact mine: $0.0015 million
I know that the Trump administration tends to place a very low “value of statistical life” (well, the Trump EPA places a zero value), but with a crew of a frigate in the area of 200, and a crew for LCS around 50-70, Using the 2013 DoT $13 million, we have these costs at up to $2,700 million for a total loss.
From Reuters today:
LONDON, March 12 (Reuters) – The U.S. Navy, perhaps with an international coalition, will escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz when it is militarily possible, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Sky News in an interview on Thursday.
“My belief, that as soon as it is militarily possible, the US Navy, perhaps with an international coalition, will be escorting vessels through,” Bessent said.
I am hopeful that decisions about whether to escort tankers and other cargo ships through the Strait will be delegated to the professional military.
