A second U.S. seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker raises questions about ongoing “shadow fleet” operations.
Story Highlights
- U.S. forces seized the MT *Centuries* off Venezuela, marking the second such incident in recent weeks.
- The tanker was involved in its seventh export of Venezuelan oil, defying U.S. sanctions.
- Sanctions aim to pressure the Maduro regime by restricting oil exports crucial to Venezuela’s economy.
- Footage of the seizure highlights U.S. enforcement against evasive maritime operations.
U.S. Seizes Venezuelan Tanker Amid Sanctions
On December 20, 2025, U.S. forces successfully intercepted the MT *Centuries*, a tanker documented to have exported Venezuelan oil on seven occasions since 2020. The vessel was seized near Venezuela’s coast, as it attempted to load another shipment of crude oil. This marks the second such seizure by U.S. authorities in recent weeks, underscoring the ongoing crackdown on Venezuela’s oil trade under the shadow fleet, which aims to bypass U.S. sanctions.
The MT *Centuries* had been extensively tracked, with over 700 photographs documenting its activities over the last five years. The U.S. has intensified its enforcement actions to disrupt these activities, which are seen as a lifeline for the Maduro regime. By targeting these operations, the U.S. aims to curtail Venezuela’s ability to generate revenue crucial for its struggling economy, which primarily relies on oil exports.
U.S. forces led by the Coast Guard seize the M/T Centuries carrying Venezuelan oil pic.twitter.com/BndI5md6gh
— Mike Schuler (@MikeSchuler) December 20, 2025
Background and Implications of Sanctions
The escalation in U.S. enforcement follows sanctions initiated under the Trump administration to put economic pressure on Venezuela’s government. These sanctions have evolved to target a “shadow fleet” of tankers, which obscure their ownership and operations to evade restrictions. As a result, the seizure of the MT *Centuries* is part of a broader strategy to uphold these sanctions and prevent the flow of funds to the Maduro regime.
Venezuela’s economic crisis has been exacerbated by these measures, as oil exports represent 90% of its revenue. The seizure of such vessels adds to the financial strain on the Venezuelan government, potentially affecting its social programs and worsening the country’s already dire economic situation. The U.S. hopes these actions will weaken the government’s hold on power by cutting off its financial resources.
Expert Opinions and Future Outlook
Maritime historian Sal Mercogliano has provided analysis on the situation, noting the systematic nature of U.S. enforcement against these shadow fleet operations. He emphasizes the extensive documentation and repeated violations associated with the MT *Centuries*, highlighting the U.S.’s commitment to closing loopholes that allow these evasive operations to continue.
Looking forward, the continued U.S. interdictions may further isolate Venezuela economically, but they also risk escalating tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, as well as with Venezuela’s allies such as Russia and China. These developments underscore the complexity of enforcing international sanctions while balancing geopolitical relationships.
Sources:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c99722j4lkgo
