The U.S. government has sold two sanctioned oil tankers, the Era and the Lileo, to Dubai-based Global Marketing Systems for scrap following their seizure after a military operation in Venezuela. The sale was reported by Lloyd’s List and includes vessels that were previously known as Marinera, Bella 1, Galileo, and Veronica. The tankers will be dismantled in India.
GMS CEO Anil Sharma confirmed the sale, noting that it was authorized by a court but complicated by uncertainties regarding the vessels’ previous ownership. The U.S. Coast Guard had seized the Era in January after a lengthy pursuit, as it was allegedly transporting sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran. The Lileo was also seized in the Caribbean around the same time, subject to U.S. sanctions against Russia.
Overall, the U.S. has confiscated up to ten oil tankers following its military actions in Venezuela, with many vessels often changing names to avoid detection.
