A Hong Kong-flagged tanker, the Sea Horse, carrying fuel likely destined for Cuba has stopped navigation in the Atlantic, impacting the oil-dependent nation. The tanker, which loaded fuel via a ship-to-ship transfer in the Mediterranean, was expected to reach Cuban waters soon based on its trajectory. The ship’s owner, Hongkong Hangda Shipping LTD, and Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA did not respond to inquiries.
In a related development, the U.S. Treasury Department announced it would permit companies to seek licenses to resell Venezuelan oil to Cuba, potentially alleviating the island’s severe fuel shortages. Since the U.S. took control of Venezuela’s oil exports in January, Cuba’s supply has dwindled, exacerbating an energy crisis affecting power generation and transportation.
Venezuela has been Cuba’s primary oil supplier for over 25 years, but shipments have ceased amid U.S. sanctions. While large trading firms manage Venezuela’s oil exports, the ability of Cuba to purchase oil remains uncertain, given its financial constraints. The U.S. guidance emphasizes that transactions should support the Cuban people, excluding benefits to the military or government institutions.
The ongoing U.S. pressure has left numerous fuel shipments undelivered since December, further complicating Cuba’s energy situation. A vessel that loaded Venezuelan gasoline in February remains anchored, awaiting authorization to depart, highlighting the complexities of the current geopolitical landscape.
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