The United States may soon move to seize a Russian-flagged oil tanker currently traversing the Atlantic Ocean en route to Europe. This information was reported by CBS News, in collaboration with the BBC, citing two US officials who revealed the American forces' intention to intercept the vessel. Historically, this tanker has been known to carry Venezuelan crude oil and is believed to be located between Scotland and Iceland.
In a bold statement last month, President Donald Trump announced a blockade aimed at sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, a move that officials in Venezuela have labeled as theft. This announcement came ahead of the US government's seizure of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro on a recent Saturday, during which Trump accused the Venezuelan government of using ships to transport drugs to American shores.
Last month, the US Coast Guard attempted to board the tanker known as the Bella 1 in the Caribbean, under the belief that it was heading toward Venezuela. The Coast Guard had obtained a warrant to seize the ship, which was accused of violating US sanctions by shipping Iranian oil. However, the vessel made a dramatic course alteration, changing its name to Marinera and reflagging from a Guyanese vessel to a Russian one.
The tanker’s journey toward Europe has coincided with the arrival of approximately ten US military transport aircraft in the UK, along with helicopters, raising concerns about a possible military intervention. CBS News reported that US officials indicated a preference for seizing the Marinera rather than sinking it. However, the challenging distance and weather conditions between Scotland and Iceland complicate any potential boarding operation.
Vessels flying a country's flag are typically under the protection of that nation, but maritime intelligence expert Dimitris Ampatzidis from Kpler noted that the tanker’s IMO number, ownership, and sanctions history will play a more critical role than its flag or name in determining US actions. Although changing its registry to Russian may create diplomatic tensions, it is unlikely to deter US enforcement.
In response to the growing tensions, Russia's foreign ministry stated that it is closely monitoring the situation regarding the Marinera. They emphasized that the vessel is currently operating in international waters under the Russian flag and is compliant with international maritime law. The ministry expressed confusion over the US and NATO's heightened focus on the ship, despite its peaceful status, and called for adherence to the principle of freedom of navigation on the high seas.
The possibility of a standoff over the oil tanker arises just days after the US executed a military operation to seize Nicolás Maduro, a key ally of Russia, in Caracas. During this operation, US forces targeted locations within the city, raising questions about the implications of military force in international maritime disputes.
As this situation develops, the international community watches closely to see how the US, Russia, and Venezuela will navigate these complex maritime and geopolitical waters.