Venezuelan Tankers Return Amid U.S. Oil Seizures
In a significant development, four tankers that departed Venezuela in early January have returned to the country’s waters, reportedly loaded with oil. This return follows a series of U.S. tanker seizures and comes amid the Trump administration’s intensified efforts to secure Venezuelan oil following the arrest of dictator Nicolás Maduro. The situation highlights ongoing tensions and the complexities of international oil trade.
U.S. Military Operations and Seizures
Reports indicate that the four tankers, which had been operating with their transponders turned off, returned to Venezuela’s waters after a flotilla of vessels left the country last month despite a U.S. blockade imposed in mid-December. Among the vessels, the supertanker M Sophia and the Olina were intercepted by U.S. forces earlier this week. The Olina, previously named Minerva M, was seized during a predawn operation conducted by the U.S. Southern Command, which involved Marines and sailors from Joint Task Force Southern Spear. The U.S. military emphasized its commitment to ending illicit activities in the region, stating that operations are supported by the full power of the Navy’s Amphibious Ready Group.
The Olina was released back to Venezuela on Friday, as confirmed by Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA). The tanker had been sanctioned by the U.S. for its involvement in transporting Russian oil. Meanwhile, three other vessels from the same flotilla—the Panama-flagged Merope, the Cook Islands-flagged Min Hang, and the Panama-flagged Thalia III—were also spotted returning to Venezuelan waters, according to monitoring service TankerTrackers.com.
Trump’s Push for Venezuelan Oil Investment
In a related move, President Trump recently hosted a meeting with nearly two dozen oil executives at the White House to discuss potential investments in Venezuela. This meeting followed the U.S. military’s successful capture of Maduro, which has shifted the landscape for foreign investment in the country. Executives from major oil companies, including Chevron, Exxon, and ConocoPhillips, attended the meeting, where Trump assured them of “total safety” and “total security” for their operations in Venezuela.
During the discussion, Trump expressed optimism about the future of Venezuela’s oil industry, predicting that the country would become a significant player in the global market. He stated that the U.S. would be acquiring between 30 million and 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil from Venezuela, which would be sold at market prices. Trump emphasized that the proceeds would be managed to benefit both the Venezuelan people and the U.S. economy, suggesting that this arrangement could lead to job creation and economic growth for both nations.
This evolving situation underscores the intricate dynamics of U.S.-Venezuela relations and the ongoing impact of sanctions and military actions on the global oil market.
