British maritime control depended on sea trade, trading ports, coaling stations, and the infrastructure that kept ships moving. American operators faced a cost disadvantage when they had to buy coal in pounds at British stations. Larger merchant ships with greater range reduced that dependence. Oil bought in dollars offered another advantage, especially if ships could load enough fuel in America for the outward and return voyages. Buying and storing fuel in bulk also reduced the need for currency conversion. Maritime independence therefore involved operating range and the fuel network as well as the strength of the battle fleet.
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Longer-range merchant ships, oil, and payment in dollars
American merchant operators could reduce dependence on British coaling stations by combining longer range with oil bought at home in dollars.