US Navy's Interception of Venezuelan Oil Tanker:

Rex Ballard
Dec 11, 2025
4 min read

Updated: Dec 11, 2025

A Deep Dive into the Operation and Its Implications

In a bold move amid escalating geopolitical tensions, the United States Navy, in coordination with the Coast Guard, intercepted and seized a Venezuelan oil tanker on December 10, 2025. This operation, described by President Donald Trump as involving the "largest one ever seized," underscores the ongoing enforcement of US sanctions against Venezuela and its allies. The incident has drawn international condemnation from Venezuela, which labeled it an "act of piracy," while also impacting global oil markets. This article explores the details of the interception, the legal authority behind it, estimates of the seized oil, the potential for US forfeiture, Iran's involvement, and visual documentation of the event.

Details of the Interception

The operation took place off the coast of Venezuela, targeting a very large crude carrier (VLCC) tanker formerly known as Adisa and renamed The Skipper. The 20-year-old vessel had loaded approximately 2 million barrels of Merey heavy crude at Venezuela's José terminal and was en route to Cuba when US forces intervened. The seizure was led by the US Coast Guard with Navy support, involving multiple federal agencies including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). President Trump announced the action, emphasizing its significance in disrupting illicit oil trade.

This event occurs against a backdrop of heightened US military activity in the region, including recent airstrikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels and fighter jet overflights near Venezuelan airspace. Venezuela's government, under President Nicolás Maduro, swiftly denounced the seizure as an infringement on international law, highlighting the strained relations between the two nations. The immediate economic ripple effect was evident, with Brent crude futures rising by about 27 cents per barrel following the news.

Legal Authority for the Operation

The interception was executed under US domestic law enforcement powers, specifically a seizure warrant issued by the Department of Justice (DOJ). Authority stems from sanctions enforced by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which targets vessels engaged in prohibited transactions with sanctioned entities like Venezuela and Iran. The operation was characterized as a safe and secure law enforcement action, without reliance on specific international treaties beyond US jurisdiction. This approach aligns with previous US actions against sanctioned shipping, emphasizing national security and counter-terrorism objectives.

Estimates of Seized Oil and Vessel Details

The VLCC tanker has a dead-weight tonnage capacity allowing it to carry up to 2 million barrels of oil, and tracking data confirmed it was fully loaded with Venezuelan Merey heavy crude prior to the seizure. This volume represents a significant portion of Venezuela's export capabilities, which have been hampered by sanctions and infrastructure challenges. The seizure not only removes this cargo from circulation but also serves as a deterrent to other vessels involved in similar trades.

US Forfeiture Laws and Retention of Assets

Under US federal law, the government possesses robust mechanisms for asset forfeiture in cases involving sanctions violations. The DOJ can initiate civil forfeiture proceedings to permanently claim both the tanker and its cargo, as they are linked to illicit activities supporting foreign terrorist organizations. This process typically involves filing a complaint in US district courts, where the assets are deemed forfeit-able due to their role in prohibited trade. President Trump's casual remark, "We keep it, I guess," reflects the practical outcome of such proceedings. Historical precedents, such as the 2020 seizures of Iranian fuel bound for Venezuela, demonstrate the US's ability to retain and even sell forfeited assets, potentially funneling proceeds to victims of terrorism or other designated funds. This could further strain Venezuela's oil industry by increasing risks for international shippers.

Iran's Role in the Incident

Iran plays a pivotal role through its entanglement in the tanker's operations and the broader sanctions-evasion network. The vessel was previously sanctioned in 2022 for transporting Iranian oil, under its original name Adisa. Tracking records reveal multiple voyages between Iran and Venezuela, often involving deceptive practices like spoofing AIS (Automatic Identification System) locations to avoid detection. This collaboration allows both nations to bypass US sanctions: Iran supplies oil and expertise to Venezuela in exchange for support in evading restrictions. The seized tanker exemplifies this axis, carrying a blend of Venezuelan and Iranian-origin oil destined for allies like Cuba, thereby funding regimes designated as state sponsors of terrorism by the US.

Visual Documentation of the Operation

To provide a clearer picture of the interception, below are selected images from the event:

Additionally, the official video shown here was released by US authorities and appeared on Attorney General Pam Bondi's X feed. It captures the operation in action.

Video Posted on X by AG Pam Bondi

Post by AG Pam Bondi on X - Dec. 10, 2025

This seizure could exacerbate diplomatic tensions, potentially leading to retaliatory measures from Venezuela or Iran. It also highlights the effectiveness of US sanctions in disrupting adversarial supply chains, though critics argue such actions risk escalating conflicts. As oil markets react, the long-term impact on global energy prices and shipping routes remains to be seen.

References and Citations

The information in this article is drawn from various sources, cited inline where relevant. Below is a compiled list of key references for further reading: