President Trump intensifies efforts against a clandestine fleet of “ghost ships” smuggling oil from sanctioned nations, following the seizure of a tanker carrying Venezuelan crude.
A secretive fleet of oil tankers, often referred to as “ghost ships,” has come under increased scrutiny from President Donald Trump as the U.S. intensifies its campaign against illicit oil trade. This clandestine armada, which operates under fake flags and shell companies, has been instrumental in smuggling crude oil from countries like Russia, Iran, and Venezuela, despite existing sanctions.
On December 10, Trump announced the seizure of the tanker “Skipper,” a vessel implicated in the covert transportation of oil in defiance of international sanctions. This seizure marks a significant escalation in the U.S. government’s efforts to disrupt a network of approximately 1,000 tankers that navigate global waters to transport oil from sanctioned nations.
The so-called “ghost ships” employ a variety of tactics to evade detection and enforcement. They sail under foreign flags to obscure their origins, frequently change names, and shift ownership through a complex web of shell companies. Additionally, these vessels disable their transponders to avoid tracking and conduct mid-sea transfers to further disguise their cargo.
As a result, the operation of these ghost ships has created a convoluted system of handoffs and disguised voyages, making it challenging for authorities to monitor their activities effectively.
Benjamin Jensen, director of the Futures Lab at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, emphasized that the issue extends beyond Venezuela. He stated, “I do think it’s time that the United States and other countries start to address what really is a global problem.” Jensen noted that the seizure of the “Skipper” sends a clear message not only to Caracas but also to other nations involved in similar activities.
“What we don’t know is how they’re following that up behind the scenes,” Jensen added, suggesting that further seizures under the Trump administration are likely. He pointed out that Venezuela’s economy is heavily reliant on oil revenue, and even a single interception can have a significant impact. “Anything you do that puts pressure on their ability to bypass sanctions and trade in oil is a direct threat to the economy and, by extension, the regime,” he explained.
The Trump administration has indicated that the seizure of the “Skipper” is merely the beginning of a broader strategy aimed at cutting off the oil revenues that sustain regimes in Moscow, Tehran, and Caracas. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the vessel is currently undergoing a forfeiture process.
“Right now, the United States currently has a full investigative team on the ground, on the vessel, and individuals on board the vessel are being interviewed, and any relevant evidence is being seized,” Leavitt stated. She added that the U.S. plans to take possession of the oil once the legal process is completed.
This initiative comes at a time when China remains the leading importer of Iranian oil and the second-largest buyer of Russian crude. Much of this oil is transported through a growing fleet of nondescript tankers that evade U.S. sanctions.
Earlier this year, German authorities seized the 19-year-old crude oil tanker “Eventin” after it suffered engine failure in the Baltic Sea. This vessel had previously been identified as one exporting Russian crude oil and other petroleum products. German officials discovered that the Panama-flagged ship, which had undergone several name changes, was carrying approximately 99,000 tons of Russian oil, valued at around $45 million.
The ongoing efforts to combat the operations of these ghost ships highlight the complexities of enforcing sanctions in a globalized economy. As the U.S. government ramps up its actions, the implications for international oil markets and geopolitical relations remain to be seen.
According to Fox News, the Trump administration’s focus on disrupting illicit oil trade signals a commitment to addressing the broader challenges posed by sanctioned nations and their clandestine operations.