US Pursuing 3rd Oil Tanker Connected to Venezuela, Official Says

The geopolitical tension between the United States and Venezuela has escalated significantly in the maritime domain. Following the seizure of two vessels earlier in the month, reports indicate that the US Coast Guard is now in “energetic pursuit” of a third oil tanker operating in international waters near Venezuela. This ongoing confrontation highlights the intensifying struggle over Venezuela’s oil exports, sanctions enforcement, and the broader “dark fleet” operations utilized to bypass international restrictions.

Introduction

The Caribbean Sea has become a focal point for a high-stakes maritime standoff. The United States, under the Trump administration, has ramped up its military and judicial efforts to disrupt Venezuela’s ability to export oil, accusing the Maduro regime of using petroleum revenues to fund drug trafficking and illicit activities. This article provides a comprehensive, pedagogical breakdown of the recent developments involving the pursuit of oil tankers, the legal justifications for these seizures, and the broader economic and military context driving this conflict.

Key Points

To understand the gravity of the situation, it is essential to grasp the core facts currently shaping this conflict. Below are the primary takeaways from the recent events:

Active Pursuit of a Third Vessel

According to a US official, the Coast Guard is currently pursuing a third vessel in international waters. This ship is allegedly part of Venezuela’s “sanctioned dark fleet,” flying a false flag, and subject to a judicial seizure order.

Preceding Seizures

The current pursuit follows the seizure of two other oil tankers this month. One specific incident occurred on a Saturday, where a specialized tactical team boarded a Panamanian-flagged tanker in international waters. Although this vessel was not on the Treasury’s official sanctioned list, the US claims it was carrying “sanctioned PDVSA oil.”

Allegations of Illicit Funding

Washington’s strategy is driven by the accusation that President Nicolás Maduro is leading a designated terrorist organization known as the “Cartel de los Soles.” The US asserts that oil cash is being funneled to support drug-related crime, a charge consistently denied by the Venezuelan government.

Venezuela’s Response

Venezuela has condemned these actions as “robbery and kidnapping.” Caracas has threatened to file complaints with the United Nations Security Council and other multilateral bodies, arguing that the US is attempting to steal its natural resources.

Background

To fully comprehend the current maritime confrontations, one must look at the historical and economic backdrop of US-Venezuela relations.

Venezuela’s Oil Wealth

Venezuela possesses the world’s largest proven oil reserves. Historically, the state-owned oil company, PDVSA (Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A.), has been the lifeline of the Venezuelan economy, funding government spending and social programs. However, years of mismanagement, coupled with strict international sanctions, have crippled the industry’s legal export capabilities.

The Rise of the “Dark Fleet”

As sanctions tightened, a “dark fleet” emerged. This term refers to a network of aging oil tankers that operate without standard insurance, often turning off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders, and frequently changing names and flags (a practice known as “flag hopping”). The original source text notes that the vessel involved in the Saturday seizure had previously sailed under Greek and Liberian flags. This mobility is a tactic used to obscure the vessel’s ownership and evade sanctions enforcement.

Escalation Under the Trump Administration

Relations deteriorated sharply following the 2019 US recognition of Juan Guaidó as the interim president. The Trump administration imposed crushing sanctions on PDVSA and the financial sector. The recent order to establish a “blockade” of sanctioned oil tankers represents a shift toward more aggressive interdiction tactics in international waters.

Analysis

The pursuit of these tankers is not merely a police action; it is a calculated component of US foreign policy. Here is an analysis of the strategic dynamics at play.

Jurisdictional Challenges in International Waters

The boarding of vessels in international waters raises complex legal questions. While the US relies on domestic judicial seizure orders and the designation of specific entities (like PDVSA), international maritime law generally protects freedom of navigation. The US justification hinges on the argument that these vessels are engaged in illicit transactions with a sanctioned entity. By flying false flags or disabling tracking systems, these ships lose the protections afforded to legitimate commercial vessels, allowing the US Coast Guard to intervene under the guise of enforcing anti-trafficking and sanctions laws.

The “Drug Trafficking” Narrative

The Trump administration has heavily leaned into the narrative that Venezuela is a narco-state. By linking oil revenues to the “Cartel de los Soles,” the US provides a legal and public relations framework for its military actions, including recent lethal strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean. However, this narrative faces scrutiny. Critics, including some in Congress, note that the US has provided limited public evidence directly linking the specific seized oil tankers to drug shipments, suggesting that the primary target is the oil revenue itself.

Economic Warfare

The seizure of oil cargoes serves a dual purpose: it physically deprives the Maduro regime of revenue, and it increases the cost and risk of doing business with Venezuela. By targeting the “dark fleet,” the US aims to shrink the pool of available tankers, making it harder for Venezuela to export its crude. As noted by TankerTrackers.com, more than 30 of the 80 ships in Venezuelan waters or approaching the country are under US sanctions, indicating a highly congested and risky operational environment.

Practical Advice

For maritime stakeholders, energy analysts, and international observers, navigating this situation requires specific vigilance. Here are practical considerations regarding the US-Venezuela maritime conflict.

For Maritime Stakeholders

Shipping companies and insurers must conduct rigorous due diligence. Vessels that have “flagged hopped” or have a history of operating in the “dark fleet” face severe legal and financial risks, including the potential for seizure and the loss of cargo. Compliance departments should monitor the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) list closely, as it is constantly updated.

For Energy Market Analysts

When analyzing Venezuelan oil output and export capacity, do not rely solely on official production figures. The “effective” export capacity is constrained not just by production issues, but by the availability of sanction-proof shipping. The pursuit of a third tanker signals that the US is actively shrinking this shipping capacity, which could lead to tighter global oil supply if the conflict widens.

For Legal Observers

Monitor the filings in the US District Courts regarding civil forfeiture actions. These documents often provide the detailed evidence the US government uses to justify the seizures, offering insight into the specific legal arguments being used against vessels in the Caribbean.

FAQ

Conclusion

The US pursuit of a third oil tanker connected to Venezuela marks a critical escalation in the maritime enforcement of sanctions. This conflict is more than a legal dispute; it is a manifestation of the broader geopolitical struggle for control over Venezuela’s vast oil resources and the future of the Maduro regime. As the US military presence grows in the Caribbean and the judicial net tightens around the “dark fleet,” the economic isolation of Venezuela deepens. The outcome of these maritime confrontations will have lasting implications for global energy markets, international maritime law, and the stability of the Western Hemisphere.