In a dramatic escalation of tensions, the United States has taken control of a ship off the coast of Venezuela in international waters, according to three U.S. officials who spoke to Reuters on Saturday. This action follows a recent announcement by President Donald Trump declaring a "blockade" on all sanctioned oil tankers associated with Venezuela.
This incident marks the second seizure of a tanker near Venezuelan waters in recent weeks, coinciding with a significant increase in U.S. military presence in the region.
While the officials chose to remain anonymous and did not disclose the exact location of the operation, they confirmed that the U.S. Coast Guard is leading the effort. Both the Coast Guard and the Pentagon have directed inquiries to the White House, which has not yet provided a comment. Additionally, Venezuela's oil ministry and its state oil company, PDVSA, have not responded to requests for their input.
On Tuesday, Trump stated, "I am ordering A TOTAL AND COMPLETE BLOCKADE OF ALL SANCTIONED OIL TANKERS going into, and out of, Venezuela." This declaration underscores the seriousness of the U.S. stance on controlling oil exports from the country.
Since the U.S. forces seized a sanctioned oil tanker off Venezuela's coast last week, there has been an effective embargo in place. Vessels laden with millions of barrels of oil are now remaining in Venezuelan waters, opting to avoid the risk of seizure rather than attempt to leave. As a direct result of these actions, Venezuelan crude oil exports have sharply declined.
Notably, while many ships involved in transporting oil from Venezuela face sanctions, others that carry crude from Iran and Russia remain unaffected by those same restrictions. Some companies, including U.S.-based Chevron, are authorized to transport Venezuelan oil using their own vessels.
China stands as the largest importer of Venezuelan crude, accounting for approximately 4% of its total oil imports. Recent analytical reports indicate that shipments in December are projected to average over 600,000 barrels per day.
Currently, the global oil market is adequately supplied, with numerous oil tankers off China’s coast awaiting to unload. However, should the embargo persist, the loss of nearly one million barrels per day from Venezuelan crude supplies is expected to drive oil prices upwards.
Since the U.S. imposed energy sanctions on Venezuela in 2019, traders and refiners have resorted to utilizing what is known as a "shadow fleet"—a network of tankers that disguise their locations. These vessels often include those sanctioned for transporting Iranian or Russian oil, raising concerns among shipping analysts about potential punitive measures from the U.S.
According to data from TankerTrackers.com, there are currently over 70 oil tankers operating within Venezuelan waters as part of this shadow fleet, with around 38 of them subject to U.S. Treasury sanctions. Notably, at least 15 of these ships are loaded with crude oil and fuel.
Trump’s ongoing campaign to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro includes an increased military presence in the area, alongside more than two dozen military strikes targeting vessels in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, resulting in the deaths of at least 100 individuals. Furthermore
