Trump administration seizes Venezuelan tankers, moves to control global oil sales

THE Trump administration has moved decisively to assert control over Venezuelan oil supplies, seizing two sanctioned tankers carrying crude and outlining plans to relax selected sanctions to regulate the sale of petroleum internationally. Officials framed the measures as essential to safeguarding U.S. national interests while gaining leverage over Nicolás Maduro’s regime.

AP reported Vice President JD Vance emphasising the strategic intent, telling Fox News, “We control the energy resources, and we tell the regime, you’re allowed to sell the oil so long as you serve America’s national interest. And that’s how we exert incredible pressure on that country without wasting a single American life.”

The newly captured vessels, Bella 1 and M Sophia, join at least two other ships taken by U.S. forces in December — Skipper and Centuries — part of what authorities describe as a shadow fleet used to bypass sanctions by Venezuela, Russia, and Iran.

Bella 1, renamed Marinera and reflagged to Russia in an apparent attempt to evade capture, had been tracked in the North Atlantic after turning sharply toward Europe. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said M Sophia was seized in the Caribbean.

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that the Justice Department is investigating the Bella 1’s crew for disobeying Coast Guard orders, warning that “criminal charges will be pursued against all culpable actors.”

The vessel had previously been sanctioned for alleged smuggling on behalf of Hezbollah-linked enterprises. Russia condemned the U.S. action as “blatant piracy,” demanding the humane treatment of its nationals aboard the ship.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the seized oil would form part of a deal under which Venezuela will provide up to 50 million barrels to the United States, with sales overseen by Washington and proceeds deposited in U.S.-controlled accounts.

“They understand that the only way they can move oil and generate revenue and not have economic collapse is if they cooperate and work with the United States,” Rubio said.

The Energy Department said the policy includes selectively easing sanctions to allow Venezuela to sell crude worldwide.

The administration plans to authorise imports of oilfield equipment and services to increase production, currently at roughly one million barrels per day, and has indicated intentions to invest in the country’s electricity grid to stabilise energy output and improve living conditions.

Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA confirmed it was negotiating the sale with U.S. authorities, describing the transaction as a “strictly commercial” arrangement ensuring “legality, transparency and benefit for both parties.”

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez sought to normalise relations, asserting, “Venezuela must diversify its relations and have relations with all the countries of this hemisphere, just as it should with Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe.”

The U.K. Ministry of Defence confirmed British surveillance support in tracking the Marinera, with Defence Secretary John Healey framing the tanker’s capture as part of a “Russian-Iranian axis of sanctions evasion which is fueling terrorism, conflict, and misery from the Middle East to Ukraine.”

Maritime analysts report that at least sixteen tankers departed Venezuela following the U.S. operation, highlighting the scope of the country’s clandestine oil shipping network.

The Trump administration’s moves, combining direct seizure of ships and selective sanction relief, signal a bold attempt to control the flow of Venezuela’s oil on a global scale, leveraging the country’s vast reserves to influence markets and enforce political pressure without deploying military forces directly. - January 8, 2025