British coal logistics as naval power

British influence rested on the ability to supply steam fleets as well as on warships. Britain controlled high-quality coal, many coaling stations, and much of the merchant tonnage that transported coal. That network could accelerate friendly deployments, deny or delay support to rivals, and raise the operating price for navies without comparable access. British-carried supplies could reach Japan ahead of the Russian Baltic Fleet during the Russo-Japanese War, while the Great White Fleet paid several times the normal coal price during its circumnavigation. Fuel distribution infrastructure was part of sea power rather than a background service.