The correct answer is the vast number of ships in their fleets.
The vast number of ships in their fleets is what had the most significant impact in supporting Portugal’s efforts to control the Indian Ocean spice trade.
The first expedition to bring spices from India to Europe by way of the Cape of Good Hope was under the command of Pedro Alvares Cabral in 1501. From then on, Portugal dominated the naval trading routes through the 16th century due to the vast number of ships in their fleets that had the most significant impact in supporting Portugal’s efforts to control the Indian Ocean spice trade.
The species that were traded in these ships were cassia, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, turmeric, and pepper.