International Maritime & Trade Finance Policy Council

In a dramatic escalation, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on December 16-17 a "total and complete blockade" of all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela . This targets the shadow fleet carrying PDVSA crude (mainly Merey 16), following the recent seizure of the tanker Skipper (loaded with ~1.8-2M barrels). Key Impacts: Most non-Chevron exports stalled – dozens of tankers anchored in Venezuelan waters, fearing interdiction. Shadow fleet operations (AIS spo