An oil tanker seized by the United States for allegedly transporting Venezuelan crude is preparing to transfer its cargo to a smaller vessel off the coast of Texas, according to ship tracking data revealed on Wednesday. The U.S. aimed to take ownership of the supertanker Skipper, which is carrying approximately 1.8 million barrels of Venezuelan oil, following its seizure in December as part of a heightened campaign against the regime of Nicolás Maduro.
The medium-sized vessel PVT Poseidon is reported to be en route to the Skipper for the transfer of a portion of the crude oil, with plans to navigate to shore afterward. The Skipper, being too large for the Houston Ship Channel, has been anchored outside of Galveston since its seizure.
The U.S. government is pursuing a legal forfeiture of the tanker, a process that allows it to permanently seize a vessel and its cargo without compensation due to violations such as smuggling or sanctions. According to a Reuters analysis, U.S. forces have intercepted 10 tankers since December, releasing at least two to the interim Venezuelan government.
Typically, oil from seized vessels is sold, and the resulting funds are allocated to programs for U.S. victims of state-sponsored terrorism. However, the anchoring of Venezuela-related tankers has raised concerns within the maritime industry; many of these vessels were constructed over 20 years ago and reportedly lack safety certification and adequate insurance. This raises significant worries about potential environmental hazards, as problems like collisions or oil spills can complicate insurance claims and liability.
Industry experts note that the age of these tankers exceeds the standard lifespan of 15 years, escalating concerns about their structural integrity and environmental impact. As U.S. authorities intensify their efforts against Maduro’s regime, the fate of these oil tankers remains a crucial aspect of broader geopolitical tensions and trade policies.
This ongoing saga emphasizes the delicate balance of international relations, trade sanctions, and environmental safety, as the U.S. seeks to navigate the complex waters surrounding Venezuelan oil exports.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/world/oil-tanker-seized-by-us-in-relation-to-venezuela-set-to-transfer-crude-to-smaller-vessel-11773254623161.html
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Publish Date: 2026-03-12 00:13:00
