WILLEMSTAD – A tanker carrying Russian naphtha destined for Venezuela’s state oil company PDVSA, along with at least four supertankers scheduled to load Venezuelan crude, abruptly changed course in recent days, underscoring the growing impact of U.S. enforcement actions in the Caribbean.
Ship-tracking data reviewed by the news agency show that the vessels made a full reversal after the United States seized a tanker carrying Venezuelan oil last week. The move has sent a clear signal to shipping companies and traders operating in the region, raising concerns about the risks of transporting oil linked to Venezuela amid tightening U.S. sanctions.
The tanker carrying Russian naphtha was reportedly en route to supply PDVSA, which relies on imported diluents to blend its heavy crude for export. The sudden turnaround suggests heightened caution among shipowners and charterers, who appear unwilling to risk potential interception, sanctions or asset seizure by U.S. authorities.
In addition to the naphtha shipment, at least four supertankers that had been programmed to load crude oil at Venezuelan ports also altered their routes, effectively suspending planned operations. Analysts note that such last-minute changes are unusual and point to growing uncertainty in maritime trade linked to Venezuela.
The developments follow the recent U.S. seizure of a tanker carrying Venezuelan oil in the Caribbean, an action that marked a significant escalation in Washington’s pressure campaign against the government of President Nicolás Maduro. U.S. officials have indicated that further measures could follow, increasing the risk profile for vessels involved in Venezuelan oil logistics.
For the Caribbean region, including Curaçao, the situation is being closely watched. The island lies near key shipping lanes used for oil transport from Venezuela, and recent weeks have already seen heightened U.S. military and enforcement activity in surrounding waters. The latest tanker reversals highlight how quickly geopolitical tensions are translating into concrete disruptions in energy trade.
As uncertainty grows, industry observers expect more shipowners and traders to reassess their exposure to Venezuelan-linked cargoes, potentially further isolating PDVSA from international markets and complicating the country’s already strained oil exports.