Pentagon Reports Caribbean Blockade Effective in Combatting Shadow Fleet
The Department of Defense announced that its Caribbean blockade had successfully forced at least seven shadow fleet vessels carrying Venezuelan oil to alter course within 24 hours. Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell stated that this highly effective blockade would continue for as long as necessary and is dedicated to tracking and intercepting shadow fleet vessels transporting sanctioned oil at any time and location of their choosing.
According to Parnell, vessel operators have become aware of US enforcement intentions and are actively avoiding interception attempts. The blockade, instituted following President Donald Trump's December 2025 sanctions order on sanctioned tankers, marks an intensification in US maritime enforcement operations across Western Hemisphere waters. Parnell credits Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth with initiating such actions stating that uncontrolled activity within this hemisphere is now coming to an end.
US Seizes Tanker Olina Near Trinidad
US authorities recently took steps against shadow fleet operations when they seized the oil tanker Olina near Trinidad as part of their crackdown. Formerly operating as Minerva M under Timor Leste flag and sanctioned in January 2025 by US for engaging in Russia-linked shadow fleet operations that transported oil sanctioned under Western sanctions without appropriate regulations and unclear insurance arrangements, US authorities seized this vessel.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha welcomed Olina's seizure on January 9, praising it as an important step against unlawful maritime activities and sending an important message about strength to any parties engaged in sanctions violations. Recent interceptions include Marinera (formerly Bella-1) and Panama-flagged M Sophia both linked to Venezuelan oil shipments.
Response and Implications from International Affairs.
US enforcement measures have drawn international interest. Ukraine has openly supported US actions against shadow fleet vessels, noting the connection between sanctions evasion and wider geopolitical concerns and shadow fleet vessels. Seizures highlight ongoing issues related to vessel registration practices and flag state oversight oversight in shipping industries worldwide.
Recent enforcement actions have highlighted the use of false flags and stateless vessel designations by shadow fleet operators. US Coast Guard boarding operations in North Atlantic and Caribbean waters represent an expansion of traditional maritime interdiction practices; raising questions regarding international maritime law precedents as well as when vessels may be interdicted from being transported on higher seas.