According to the latest maritime data released by Bloomberg on January 7, the situation of oil and gas transport in Venezuela is reversing.
While smugglers are trying to escape, a large-scale fleet of 11 ships with special permits from the US are entering the ports of Jose and Bajo Grande to purchase oil.
Transportation data records this as the largest vehicle mobilization by the US side since October last year. Leading this train is the Ionic Anassa, which has now started the refueling process.
This move shows a near-immediate replacement: the US is quickly filling the gap left by the black market.
With special licenses from the US Treasury Department, these ships operate publicly and legally, bringing oil directly to refineries in the US such as Valero Energy or Phillips 66, establishing a monopoly on exploitation in this South American country.
Contrary to the bustling scene of US ships, the fate of the "dark fleet" is more tragic. Data from TankerTrackers shows that, in the face of the US Navy's blockade, these ships are forced to find a way to escape to international waters.
Typically, the case of the ship Marinera (also known as Bella 1). This ship is being closely monitored and chased by US functional forces when trying to break the siege to escape the control area.
In addition, at least 12 unlicensed oil tankers had to turn around, and some others turned off their positions to escape in chaos. Ships belonging to this group, which regularly transported "illegal" oil to Asian markets, have now almost disappeared from Venezuela's sea routes.
Observers believe that the image of 11 US ships entering while smuggled ships fleeing is the clearest proof of the new order that Washington has established.
The recent strict maritime security measures not only help prevent informal transactions, but also put Venezuela's oil exports on a new trajectory that is more tightly controlled. This means that energy flow from this South American country will mainly be operated through official channels approved by the US.
On the evening of January 6, US President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that Venezuela would hand over 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil to the US. This oil would be sold at market prices and the proceeds would be managed by the US.
