Seized oil tanker was part of Venezuelan support for Cuba, report says

The oil tanker seized by the United States off the coast of Venezuela was engaged in a Venezuelan state effort to deliver crude oil to Cuba, according to a New York Times report citing internal documents and oil industry sources. The vessel, named Skipper, had loaded approximately 2 million barrels of Venezuelan heavy crude before its departure on December 4.

Shipment details and diversion to Cuba

Internal data from Venezuela's state oil company PDVSA indicated the Skipper was scheduled to arrive at the Cuban port of Matanzas. Tracking data from Kpler shows that two days after leaving Venezuela, the tanker transferred roughly 50,000 barrels of oil to another vessel, the Neptune 6, which then proceeded toward Cuba. The Skipper continued eastward toward Asia with the majority of its cargo before being seized by US authorities.

Cuban condemnation and sanctions on a key facilitator

Cuban officials denounced the seizure on Friday, labeling it an "act of piracy and maritime terrorism" that harms the Cuban people. The operation reportedly involved Panamanian businessman Ramon Carretero, identified as a central figure managing oil shipments between Venezuela and Cuba. On Thursday, the US Treasury Department sanctioned Carretero for facilitating petroleum shipments on behalf of the Venezuelan government.

Context of US sanctions and regional tensions

The incident highlights the ongoing enforcement of US sanctions targeting Venezuela's oil exports and its economic partnerships. The seizure and subsequent sanctions underscore Washington's continued efforts to disrupt the financial and logistical networks supporting the Venezuelan government and its allies, intensifying geopolitical friction in the Caribbean.