By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The United States seized a tanker ship attempting to evade US forces after departing Venezuelan waters, according to officials. The operation, executed before dawn by Marines and sailors in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, targeted a vessel suspected of carrying embargoed oil, as stated by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The ship, sailing under a false flag and previously sanctioned for involvement in Russian oil shipments, was allegedly trying to breach a US naval blockade in the Caribbean. This seizure follows the earlier seizure of two other tankers linked to Venezuelan oil exports in separate operations, including the Russian-flagged Marinera, which was falsely flying the flag of Guyana.
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US forces seize fifth Venezuela-linked oil tanker, and it’s becoming a pattern. It seems the U.S. has been busy, making moves in the maritime world, and this recent seizure is just another addition to the list. While the specifics of this particular tanker remain to be fully uncovered, the recurring theme is clear: these vessels have ties to Venezuela and are operating in ways that raise red flags. And let’s be honest, it’s not just about Venezuela; we’re talking about a broader network, a “shadow fleet,” that’s been making waves, or rather, breaking rules.
These shadow tankers aren’t just your average cargo ships; they’re often linked to Russia, operating under various flags and potentially violating sanctions. The U.S., along with other allies like Canada, the UK, and the EU, has been quite vocal about these sanctions and the need to enforce them. They’re all in agreement: these vessels aren’t playing by the rules of the sea. It’s a bit like a game of hide-and-seek, but instead of innocent fun, we’re talking about circumventing international laws.
The beauty, or rather the complexity, of this situation is tied up in maritime law. These vessels are, essentially, fair game. The legal framework allows for seizing vessels that operate under false flags, a tactic often employed by these shadow fleets. When a ship isn’t flying the correct colors, it can be considered a “stateless vessel,” which opens it up to the jurisdiction of any country that happens to come across it. This is where the U.S. steps in, flexing its muscles, and taking control of these ships.
The U.S. is uniquely positioned to enforce these laws, and it seems to be doing just that. There’s a certain geopolitical play at work here, and while the exact motivations may vary, the message is clear: these actions serve a purpose. The EU, with its own concerns, could seize these ships, but they haven’t always had the resources. Whether it’s a matter of resources or a more calculated approach, the U.S. is the one taking the lead, making sure these vessels are caught.
The fact that these seizures aren’t a surprise is worth mentioning. If these ships are out there, and they can be found, chances are they’re going to be seized. And this isn’t some arbitrary decision; it’s within the bounds of maritime law. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides the legal backing for these actions. It’s a pretty clear-cut situation: fly a false flag, and you forfeit the protections that come with proper registration.
So, how does this all work? Well, when a ship flies a false flag, it’s considered “assimilated to a ship without nationality.” This means any state can assert jurisdiction. The U.S. Coast Guard, for example, can come in and declare jurisdiction, as if the ship were on U.S. soil. This is a powerful tool, and it’s being used to send a strong message.
Now, someone will probably wonder, where does the law say this? Well, the Maritime Crime Manual lays it out clearly. A vessel without nationality is a ship that cannot claim any nationality, meaning it isn’t registered with a country or entitled to fly its flag. Flying two flags or using false ones are both reasons. The consequence is significant: any state can assert jurisdiction over the vessel. No flag state jurisdiction, no protections, just the ability for any state to step in.
So, what does this mean in practical terms? It means that a ship flying a false flag on the high seas can be treated as if it were stateless. Any state can then exercise its jurisdiction. This opens the door for the U.S. to take action, and that’s precisely what’s happening.
And just to clarify, it doesn’t matter who is in charge; these actions are consistent with international law. These seizures, whatever their implications, are not just about enforcing the law. These activities are taking place against a backdrop of complex international relations. The whole situation raises questions about the world’s power dynamics and the enforcement of international laws, particularly when dealing with sanctioned entities.
The question of who’s out the value of the seized oil is also important. If the seller has already been paid and the oil hasn’t been delivered, it’s likely the buyer who suffers the loss. This also has implications for the insurance companies who may find themselves on the hook. And, as we all know, a major part of this operation is transporting oil.
The bigger picture here is the impact on the shipping industry. As these seizures continue, shipping companies may become increasingly cautious about participating in the trade, making the whole operation less attractive. This raises the question of whether this is the beginning of the end for these shadow fleets. The future of shadow fleets isn’t clear, but one thing is evident. The risk is high. These ships are flying under the radar, and the U.S. isn’t afraid to seize them. It’s a game of risk and reward, and it seems the U.S. is winning.
It’s likely these shadow fleets aren’t going away, but the message is clear. Operating outside the bounds of international law has consequences.