How effective would a modern fireship be against a convoy?
Short answerA large explosive-filled merchant ship could be dangerous, but escorts and the risks of approach make it a poor practical weapon.
NotesA burning sailing craft differs from a merchant ship converted into an explosive delivery vehicle. Only the latter could inflict major damage on a modern convoy. It would also be extremely vulnerable: a hit from an escort could detonate the weapon before it reached the formation. Because convoyed merchant ships may themselves carry fuel or ammunition, attacking those targets directly is simpler than trying to drive a conspicuous bomb ship into their midst.