US Seizes Oil Tanker Allegedly Transporting Crude from Venezuela and Iran
US forces have seized a tanker allegedly transporting crude oil from Venezuela and Iran, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The vessel, identified as the Skipper, a VLCC (very large crude carrier), was intercepted by troops who landed on the ship.
The seizure comes after a video released by the US Department of Homeland Security showed the operation. The footage shows troops landing on the tanker and taking control of the vessel. According to reports, the Skipper loaded 1.1 million barrels of heavy sour Merey crude in mid-November and was believed to be heading to Cuba.
However, the tanker’s route took a different turn when it stopped waiting offshore Venezuela since loading. The US government has sanctioned the vessel since November 2022 due to its alleged involvement in illegal oil activities.
Vessel’s Route Revealed Through Animation
MarineTraffic, a ship tracking and maritime analytics provider, provided an animation showing the Skipper’s route from October 23 to 28, tracking from the coast of Brazil to waters off Guyana. The animation also shows movement in the Caribbean Sea between December 10 and 11.
The animation reveals the vessel’s covert activities, as it loaded oil without its AIS (Automatic Identification System) transponder switched on. This suggests that the tanker was attempting to avoid detection by authorities.
Analysts Weigh In on Vessel’s Activities
Matt Smith, Head Analyst US at Kpler, a market intelligence provider, provided insights into the vessel’s activities. According to Smith, the Skipper has previously been used for “dark activity” (without its AIS transponder switched on) moving Iranian crude. Satellite imagery obtained by Kpler shows the vessel at the Port of Jose in Venezuela just one week ago.
Market reports seen by Kpler indicate that the tanker loaded at least 1.1 million barrels of Merey crude at Jose Terminal by November 16, with Cuba listed as the destination and Cubametales declared as the charterer. This loading operation was also confirmed by satellite imagery, which showed it loading by November 14.
The seizure of the Skipper highlights the US government’s efforts to crack down on illegal oil activities and prevent the transportation of crude from sanctioned countries like Venezuela and Iran.
Original Article: Animation Shows Path of Oil Tanker Seized by US Government — Yahoo