U.S. Navy Vessel Blocks Russian Oil Tanker from Reaching Venezuela

A sanctioned Russian oil tanker has been unable to reach Venezuela after repeated encounters with a U.S. Navy destroyer in the Caribbean, vessel-tracking data and Bloomberg reporting show.

The Comorian-flagged tanker Seahorse, operated by U.A.E.-based companies and designated part of Russia’s shadow fleet, was sailing toward Venezuela on 13 November when the USS Stockdale crossed its route off the country’s coast. The tanker immediately shifted course toward Cuba. Since then, it has twice attempted to approach Venezuela but retreated both times and remains idling in the Caribbean.

Bloomberg reported that Washington’s posture has raised questions over whether the U.S. intends to limit Moscow’s fuel deliveries to Caracas. The Seahorse is sanctioned by the U.S., EU, and U.K. for transporting Russian oil.

AIS data confirms the tanker’s continued presence near Venezuela, alongside two other sanctioned tankers — New Power and Azure Voyager. Venezuela, despite its oil reserves, still relies on imported fuel and lighter crude to keep its refineries operating.

It remains unknown whether the USS Stockdale made contact with the Russian vessel. U.S. Southern Command declined to comment on the destroyer’s movements. The Stockdale has been in the region since late September as part of U.S. anti-drug operations.

The tanker incident comes amid a sharp increase in U.S. naval activity near Venezuela. On 16 November, the carrier strike group led by the Gerald R. Ford entered the Caribbean, adding to U.S. presence close to Venezuelan waters. While U.S. forces have so far targeted only boats allegedly carrying narcotics, officials in Caracas accuse Washington of preparing for a broader intervention.

Analysts estimate Russia now controls about 17% of the global tanker market. European authorities warn these shadow vessels carry environmental and security risks and are used for covert activity, prompting EU discussions on new restrictions aimed at reducing Moscow’s oil revenue.