US Seizures of Venezuelan Oil Tankers

In today’s episode of **What’s going on with BRICS**: Latest US Seizures of Venezuelan Oil Tankers – Escalating Pressure on Caracas.If you’re new to the channel, hey, take a moment, subscribe to the channel, then hit the bell to be alerted about new episodes when they drop.Coming to you today from Malaga, Spain.### What’s in the News1. **US intercepts second Venezuelan oil tanker in international waters**- On 20 December 2025, US Coast Guard boarded the Panama-flagged VLCC *Centuries*, carrying ~1.8 million barrels of Venezuelan Merey crude bound for China.- Vessel Chinese-owned, not on US sanctions list at time of seizure, but White House claims cargo sanctioned as PDVSA oil and part of “shadow fleet”.- Interception east of Barbados; video released by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem showing helicopter boarding.- Venezuela gets an oil revenue hit which strains its economy and puts more pressure on its BRICS solidarity.- The West tightens enforcement on Venezuela’s oil exports, reducing revenue for Maduro regime.2. **First seizure recap and escalation**- On 10 December 2025, US seized VLCC *Skipper* (previously sanctioned for Iranian ties, falsely flagged Guyana).- Loaded ~1.8 million barrels Venezuelan crude; now off Texas for offloading.- Followed Trump’s “total blockade” announcement on sanctioned tankers.- Venezuela gets an oil revenue hit which strains its economy and puts more pressure on its BRICS solidarity.- The West signals aggressive enforcement, deterring shadow trade.3. **Third tanker in active pursuit**- As of 21 December 2025, US Coast Guard pursuing third vessel (*Bella 1*), described as sanctioned dark fleet, flying false flag, under judicial seizure order.- En route to load Venezuelan crude; history of sanction-evasion activities.- Venezuela gets an oil revenue hit which strains its economy and puts more pressure on its BRICS solidarity.- The West expands blockade scope, even to non-sanctioned vessels if cargo deemed illicit.4. **Venezuelan response and export impact**- Caracas calls seizures “theft” and “piracy”; vows UN complaints.- Exports fallen sharply after first seizure – loaded tankers lingering in Venezuelan waters to avoid risk.- Venezuela gets an oil revenue hit which strains its economy and puts more pressure on its BRICS solidarity.- The West applies effective non-military pressure on Maduro, potential oil price support.5. **Legality questions on non-sanctioned vessels**- *Centuries* not vessel-sanctioned; Panama flag valid – experts question boarding legality in international waters without flag state consent.- US justifies via cargo sanctions and shadow fleet claims.- Venezuela gets an oil revenue hit which strains its economy and puts more pressure on its BRICS solidarity.- The West tests limits of unilateral enforcement, potential diplomatic fallout with Panama/China.6. **Strategic options for China and Russia**- China condemned the seizures as violations of international law and “illegal interference”; could pursue UN complaints or reroute tankers via alternative paths.- Russia, as Venezuela’s ally, has not commented directly but could offer diplomatic support or shipping alternatives through shadow fleet networks.- No reported deal with Trump to stay out of the area; involvement could mean indirect overwatch via proxies or SCO coordination, but direct naval contributions unlikely to avoid escalation.- Venezuela gets an oil revenue hit which strains its economy and puts more pressure on its BRICS solidarity.- The West maintains pressure while monitoring for potential BRICS escalation in response. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wgowbrics.substack.com