Several crew members from the MV Dali, detained in the U.S. for nearly two years after a fatal collision with a Baltimore bridge, remain uncertain about their futures. While they can move freely within the city, their passports are confiscated, limiting travel. Advocates highlight their commitment to preventing the incident.
Three Indian seafarers are among the 28 crew members of the Russian oil tanker Marinera, seized by the US Coast Guard in the North Atlantic. The incident, involving crew from multiple countries, has sparked a diplomatic row between Russia and the US. India has yet to officially respond to the situation.
The U.S. Coast Guard recently seized two oil tankers tied to Venezuela, including the Russian-flagged Marinera, which had previously evaded a blockade. This operation occurred in the North Atlantic, under U.S. coordination, while Russian military vessels were nearby. Homeland Security affirmed the vessels’ involvement in transporting sanctioned oil.
President Donald Trump announced a significant escalation in U.S. efforts against alleged drug trafficking in Venezuela, confirming a noteworthy explosion at a targeted facility. This marks the first acknowledged U.S. land strike within the country. Trump stated the operation aimed to disrupt drug shipments and intensify pressure on Nicolás Maduro’s regime.
The Skipper, a large crude carrier linked to Venezuela, was seized by the US on December 10 and has arrived at the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area. Kevin Hassett from the White House’s National Economic Council stated that the seized tankers were involved in black market oil trade, emphasizing minimal market impact.
The U.S.-blacklisted tanker Bella 1, intercepted near Venezuela, has a complicated history tied to terrorist financing in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Previously registered in Panama, it was en route to load oil when seized, marking a significant escalation in U.S. maritime enforcement efforts against the Maduro government.
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden is investigating fuel smuggling linked to cartels between the U.S. and Mexico. He has contacted seven maritime shipping companies to understand their vetting processes. With stolen crude becoming a major revenue source for cartels, Wyden emphasizes the need for the industry to combat these illegal operations.
Venezuela has formally accused the United States of “maritime piracy” following the seizure of a Venezuelan oil shipment in international waters. Foreign Minister Yvan Gil condemned the US actions as a “flagrant violation” of international law and demanded the return of the oil and the release of the crew. Tensions escalate.
On December 12, U.S. authorities seized the M/T Skipper off Venezuela’s coast, shortly before a court-issued warrant expired. This operation underscores U.S. sanctions against Venezuelan oil, enforcing measures initiated in 2019. The seizure has heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas, with plans for further interceptions of sanctioned oil shipments.
The U.S. is intensifying efforts to intercept vessels transporting Venezuelan oil, following the seizure of a tanker—the first since 2019 sanctions. This military buildup aims to pressure President Maduro, prompting shipowners to reconsider operations in Venezuelan waters as risks escalate. Seizures target vessels linked to sanctioned nations like Iran.
CMA CGM’s INDAMEX service will now transit the Suez Canal for voyages between India/Pakistan and the U.S. East Coast, reducing transit time to 77 days. The CMA CGM Verdi will lead this route on January 15. However, analysts caution that a full return to the Red Sea remains uncertain due to security risks.
On Wednesday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) assured deported Filipino seafarers of support and pledged to raise their issues with US officials. The seafarers, expelled under allegations of discrimination and due process violations, requested a diplomatic protest. The DFA will collaborate with relevant agencies to investigate and provide assistance.
The U.S. has intensified opposition to a proposed global shipping carbon tax at the IMO summit in London, warning of potential economic retaliation. Labeling the plan a “Global Green New Scam Tax,” Trump urged rejection, citing risks to shipping costs and American interests, while proposing procedural changes to delay new emissions rules.
The United States has warned of potential visa restrictions and sanctions against countries supporting a UN proposal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ocean shipping. As the International Maritime Organization prepares to vote on the Net-Zero Framework, U.S. officials express concerns over economic risks and unauthorized global taxation.
On October 9, U.S. President Donald Trump and Finnish President Alexander Stubb finalized a pivotal agreement for the U.S. Coast Guard to acquire up to 11 new icebreakers, enhancing Arctic national security. This $6.1 billion initiative aims to deliver the first vessel by 2028, creating jobs and boosting the maritime industry.
