Sanctioned Tanker Hyperion to Test Trump’s Blockade of Venezuela
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Vessel Hyperion, sanctioned by the US, just arrived in Venezuela via BloombergArticle content(Bloomberg) — The tanker Hyperion, sanctioned by the US for having shipped Russian oil, will likely be the first ship to test President Donald Trump’s naval blockade of Venezuela. Sign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle contentThe vessel recently arrived in Amuay, home to Venezuela’s largest refining complex, according to vessel movements tracked by Bloomberg. Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Article contentIt loaded supplies in Murmansk, Russia, at the end of November, the data show. Article contentArticle contentThe Barbados-flagged vessel was sanctioned by the US Treasury in January. The US says it is part of a fleet of so-called ghost vessels used to prop up Russia’s energy sector by moving crude and petroleum products in ships that sail undetected because they often turn off and spoof transponder signals. Article contentTop StoriesGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.There was an error, please provide a valid email address.Sign UpBy signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.Article contentRussia, a long-time ally of Venezuela, supplies the country with diluents, a petroleum feedstock used to help dilute tar-like Venezuelan oil to make refinery-ready oil. Article contentThis week, Trump said that US forces would carry out a total blockade of sanctioned oil tankers into and out of Venezuela, as he tries to deprive President Nicolás Maduro of oil revenues as part of plan to oust him. When he made the announcement, the Hyperion was near Grenada, approaching Venezuela’s coast. It entered Venezuelan waters on Thursday night. Article contentAfter discharging, it’s unclear if the ship will leave port or stay in Venezuelan waters to avoid been boarded by US forces, causing large losses for the owner. Last week, the US military seized the supertanker Skipper, which is currently off the coast of Mexico as it approaches the US. Article contentArticle contentMeanwhile, Chevron Corp’s exports of Venezuelan oil are proceeding unhindered, as two ships were greenlit to leave port Friday after loading nearly 1 million barrels of oil, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. The unsanctioned ships Minerva Astra and the Searuby are setting sail for delivery at US ports, said the person, who asked not to be named because the information is private. Article content“Chevron’s operations in Venezuela continue without disruption and in full compliance with laws and regulations applicable to its business, as well as the sanctions frameworks provided for by the US government,” the Houston-based company said, in response to written questions.Article content—With assistance from Patricia Garip.Article contentTrending Posthaste: 2026 might prove perilous for Canadians who piled into variable mortgages this year, Desjardins warns News Opinion: The no-more-pipelines MOU FP Comment When sinking property values raise red flags for borrowers Mortgages Tax Court overturns CRA decision to deny bitcoin loss writeoff Taxes Mortgage rates move — but in the wrong direction Mortgage Rates Share this article in your social networkCommentsYou must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.Create an AccountSign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. Posthaste: 2026 might prove perilous for Canadians who piled into variable mortgages this year, Desjardins warns News Opinion: The no-more-pipelines MOU FP Comment When sinking property values raise red flags for borrowers Mortgages Tax Court overturns CRA decision to deny bitcoin loss writeoff Taxes Mortgage rates move — but in the wrong direction Mortgage Rates