December 15, 2025
In a dramatic turn of events, a Venezuelan oil tanker, identified as Skipper, has been seized by US authorities, sparking a diplomatic row between the US and Venezuela. The tanker, a very large crude carrier (VLCC), was carrying approximately 1.1 million barrels of oil, loaded at Venezuela's main oil port last week.
Maritime analysts Vanguard revealed that the tanker was falsely flying the flag of Guyana, a tactic often used by vessels to circumvent safety regulations and international sanctions. Under international law, ships are required to comply with the maritime law of the country whose flag they fly.
Tracking data shows that the Skipper has a history of sanctions-busting, having been previously sanctioned by the US in 2022 while sailing under the name Adisa. The vessel was accused of being part of the so-called "shadow fleet," which smuggles oil on behalf of Iran to avoid US sanctions. Public records indicate that the vessel is owned by Triton Navigation Corp, which was also sanctioned by the US in 2022 for its involvement in transporting oil for Iran.
According to Samir Madani, co-founder of TankerTrackers.com, the Skipper has transported nearly 13 million barrels of Iranian and Venezuelan oil since joining the global "dark fleet" of tankers in 2021. Marine Traffic data also reveals that the vessel had been transmitting a false position, a common tactic among shadow tankers.
The US government has sanctioned over 170 vessels accused of moving illicit oil, while other governments and organizations have likely sanctioned more than 1,000 vessels. Experts are divided on why the Skipper was singled out and seized, and how it fits into the broader operation in Latin America.
The Venezuelan government, led by President Maduro, has responded to the seizure by claiming that it reveals the true motives of the US: "It has always been about our natural resources, our oil, our energy, the resources that belong exclusively to the Venezuelan people." The incident has sparked international tensions, with the US and Venezuela locked in a long-standing dispute over oil exports and sanctions.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the seizure of the Skipper will impact global oil markets and international relations. One thing is certain, however: the cat-and-mouse game between sanction-busting vessels and international authorities will continue to play out on the high seas.