US seizes Russian‑flagged oil tanker as tensions rise in Atlantic

MOSCOW: The seizure of the massive Russian-flagged oil tanker Bella-1 by U.S. forces has shocked countries around the world. The tanker had reached the Venezuelan coast in December and was flagged by the U.S. as a vessel involved in transporting oil from Venezuela. The U.S. had recently taken military action in Venezuela, including detaining the country’s president, and had been attempting to seize the ship ever since. To avoid capture, the tanker changed its name and registration and was re-registered under the Russian flag. Russian submarines and warships moved into the Atlantic to provide protection, but the U.S. Coast Guard carried out a high-profile operation, landing on the tanker via helicopters and taking control of the vessel.

The operation took place on Wednesday in the North Atlantic. The tanker is set to be brought to the U.S. coast. U.S. authorities have alleged that Bella-1 is part of a secret network used to transport oil illegally from Venezuela and Iran.

The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Munro intercepted the tanker about 200 kilometres off the coast of Iceland, with fighter aircraft also deployed to secure the operation. Reports indicate the tanker was heading toward the Russian port of Murmansk at the time. There was no cargo on board. The U.S. had been tracking the ship since the end of December, while Russia had warned on January 1 that the pursuit should be halted. On the same day, the U.S. also seized another Venezuela-linked oil tanker, MT Sofia, in the Caribbean Sea.

Renamed 'Marinera' under Russia’s cover

• Last month, the US announced it would seize tankers involved in secret oil smuggling from Venezuela. Two tankers have already been seized.
• On December 20, the US attempted to seize Bella in the Caribbean Sea while it was heading to Venezuela, but the ship escaped into the Atlantic.
• Bella’s registration was later changed to Russia, and it was renamed Marinera. Earlier, it was registered in Guyana.

‘Shadow Fleet’

• The US describes Bella as part of a “shadow fleet” used to transport cargo by bypassing sanctions.
• The tanker is 24 years old and 333 metres long. The owner is Louis Marine Shipholding Enterprises, Turkey.
• The US imposed sanctions on the ship and its owners in 2024.
• Since 2002, the ship has operated under different names and registrations, including Panama, the Marshall Islands, and Liberia.
• The vessel has travelled with its tracking systems switched off.