US forces apprehended the oil tanker Olina in the Caribbean Sea on Friday, marking the fifth such vessel interdicted in recent weeks as part of ongoing efforts to enforce sanctions related to Venezuelan oil exports. The operation, conducted by US Marines and Navy sailors, targeted the vessel suspected of carrying embargoed oil and attempting to evade US oversight.
Details of the Olina Seizure
The pre-dawn operation took place in the Caribbean Sea, near Trinidad and in international waters. US Marines and Navy sailors, launched from the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford, executed the boarding. The operation was coordinated with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and overseen by the US Southern Command.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated on X that the Olina was "another 'ghost fleet' tanker ship suspected of carrying embargoed oil" and alleged it attempted to evade US forces after departing Venezuela. The US Southern Command issued a statement declaring, "there is no safe haven for criminals."
According to maritime risk company Vanguard Tech, the Olina is listed on multiple countries' sanctions lists and was reportedly attempting to bypass a US naval blockade in the Caribbean. Vanguard Tech also noted that the vessel's Automatic Identification System (AIS) location tracker was last active 52 days prior in the Venezuelan Exclusive Economic Zone, northeast of Curacao, before it ceased transmitting its position. Public shipping database Equasis indicated the Olina was falsely flying the flag of Timor Leste.
Further details from US government records show the vessel, previously named Minerva M and flagged in Panama, had been sanctioned for transporting Russian oil. Its ownership and management were reportedly transferred to a Hong Kong company in July. An industry source stated the Olina departed Venezuela fully loaded with oil shortly after January 3 and was returning to Venezuela, also fully loaded. The vessel has a cargo capacity of up to 890,000 barrels, with an estimated value of approximately $53 million. The Olina is described as part of a "shadow fleet" operating with minimal regulation or known insurance.
Broader Enforcement Actions
The seizure of the Olina follows other recent US interdictions of vessels linked to Venezuelan oil exports. Earlier in the week, the US announced the apprehension of two other tankers:
- The Marinera, a Russian-flagged vessel, was seized in the North Atlantic with logistical support from the UK Royal Navy. It is reportedly part of a shadow fleet involved in transporting oil for Venezuela, Russia, and Iran, in violation of US sanctions.
- The M/T Sophia was apprehended in the Caribbean, with US authorities alleging it was "conducting illicit activities."
These actions are consistent with ongoing US policy aimed at restricting Venezuelan crude oil exports.
Context and Diplomatic Engagements
The recent enforcement actions occurred days after reports of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's capture on January 3. Following these reports, President Donald Trump stated that Venezuela, which possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves, would transfer up to 50 million barrels of oil, valued at approximately $2.8 billion, to the US. Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented that this oil would be sold "in the marketplace at market rates," and the US would manage the dispersal of proceeds "in a way that benefits the Venezuelan people."
In separate developments, Venezuela's government acknowledged visits from US diplomats to the country and announced intentions to send a delegation to the US at an unspecified future date.