The United States seized two oil tankers linked to Venezuela in the Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday. They include one tanker sailing under Russian flag, as Washington intensified efforts to control oil shipments connected to Caracas.
The move followed the recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a U.S. military operation and marked a further escalation in enforcement against vessels operating under sanctions.
Sanctions enforcement
U.S. officials said a weeks-long pursuit ended when the Coast Guard and U.S. special forces boarded the Marinera crude tanker after it refused inspection last month and later reflagged under Russia’s registry. A judicial seizure warrant was presented during the operation.
The seizure took place amid heightened tensions, with Russian naval assets reported nearby. Moscow has criticised U.S. actions related to Venezuela but did not comment immediately.
Earlier on Wednesday, U.S. authorities also intercepted the Panama-flagged tanker M Sophia near the northeast coast of South America. It was carrying Venezuelan crude and marked the fourth such seizure in recent weeks, officials said.
U.S. authorities described both vessels as part of a so-called shadow fleet used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran.
Oil policy shift
The White House said Washington would selectively roll back some sanctions imposed on Venezuelan oil while maintaining strict controls on maritime shipments. Officials said future exports would be permitted only under U.S. authorisation.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said the Marinera’s crew attempted to evade capture and failed to comply with Coast Guard orders, exposing them to criminal charges.
China criticised the U.S. actions, accusing Washington of using force to influence Venezuela’s energy policy. Beijing remains Venezuela’s largest oil customer.
U.S. officials have said Washington aims to redirect Venezuelan oil supplies and gain access to crude volumes currently restricted by sanctions. President Donald Trump said the U.S. would refine and sell up to 50 mln barrels of Venezuelan oil as part of a broader plan to revive the country’s energy sector.
Venezuelan officials confirmed talks with the United States, saying discussions were focused on legal and transparent commercial arrangements.
The seizures and policy shift have raised concerns among U.S. allies and lawmakers, with some questioning the broader implications of using military and economic pressure to reshape global oil flows.
Kursiv also reports that U.S. energy major Chevron has teamed up with private investment group Quantum Energy Partners to take part in a bidding process for Lukoil’s overseas assets.
