Trump Imposes Total Blockade on Sanctioned Venezuelan Oil Tankers – Major Blow to Shadow Fleet (December 19, 2025 Update)
- H Mohammed
- Dec 22, 2025
- 1 min read
Updated: Dec 25, 2025
Breaking International Shipping News – December 19, 2025
President Donald Trump has ordered a "total and complete blockade" of all U.S.-sanctioned oil tankers in/out of Venezuela, designating the Maduro regime a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
Key Developments:
Builds on recent seizure of tanker Skipper (2M barrels Merey crude) and new sanctions on vessels/family members.
Targets ~30+ shadow fleet tankers in Caribbean; exports sharply down, loaded ships stalled.
Venezuela vows to continue trade; calls it "piracy." U.S. preparing more interceptions.
Impact: Potential oil price spikes; tanker rates strong into 2026 as sanctioned ships sidelined.
This "gunboat diplomacy" reshapes sanctioned oil flows—watch for effects on China-bound Merey and global markets.
For cargo inquiries or resilient routes: Contact MAKM INTERNATIONAL INC at info@makm.us
Sources: Reuters, NYT, Washington Post, Al Jazeera
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