The U.S. has intensified its maritime enforcement campaign targeting a third Venezuelan oil tanker, the Centuries, in the Atlantic Basin. The move underscores escalating geopolitical pressure on Caracas amid broader sanctions aimed at curtailing its crude exports.
- The Centuries tanker, carrying ~1.2 million barrels of crude, is under U.S. surveillance in the Atlantic Basin.
- This marks the third U.S. enforcement action against Venezuelan oil shipments within a month.
- Crude futures (CL=F) rose 1.7% following the announcement.
- USO ETF gained 1.2%, while OIL ETF increased 2.1% on supply concerns.
- U.S. Homeland Security leveraged aerial surveillance and social media to publicize the operation.
- The move aims to restrict PDVSA’s access to global maritime and financial channels.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed the deployment of aerial surveillance and interdiction assets to monitor the Centuries, a vessel linked to Venezuela’s state-owned oil company, PDVSA. The tanker, detected operating near the Caribbean Sea on December 20, is suspected of carrying crude in violation of U.S. sanctions. A video released by Secretary Kristi Noem showed a helicopter conducting a flyover of the vessel, signaling the administration’s commitment to enforcement. This latest action marks the third instance of U.S. maritime intervention against Venezuelan oil shipments in under a month, reflecting a coordinated escalation. The Centuries is believed to be carrying approximately 1.2 million barrels of heavy crude, valued at over $100 million at current market rates. If successfully intercepted, the cargo could disrupt the flow of Venezuelan oil to emerging markets, particularly in Asia and parts of Latin America. Market implications are already emerging. Crude futures (CL=F) have risen 1.7% over the past 48 hours, while the energy sector ETF (USO) gained 1.2%. Analysts note that the tightened supply outlook may lead to sustained premium pricing, especially in the Atlantic Basin, where Venezuelan crude historically supplied refineries in the Caribbean and Northeastern U.S. The OIL ETF has also seen a 2.1% uptick, indicating investor anticipation of supply constraints. The enforcement action extends beyond immediate sanctions compliance—it reflects a broader strategy to limit Venezuela’s access to global financial and shipping networks. The operation involves coordination between U.S. Coast Guard assets, intelligence units, and allied maritime forces in the region. Affected parties include international shipping firms, refining operations reliant on discounted Venezuelan crude, and energy traders navigating increased compliance risks.