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US tanker seizure in extraterritorial waters hinges on Venezuela's terrorism designation: expertson 19 December 2025 at 9:00 pmThe oil tanker the US seized near Venezuela was a unique test case for the Trump administration and could signal key considerations for future seizures, a pair of maritime experts said Dec. 19. The US’ seizure of the Skipper crude tanker on its way to Venezuela on Dec. 10 was unique, according to maritime lawyers Carmella O’Hanlon and David Tannenbaum, as it has the potential to enable broader
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UK sanctions Russian energy firms Russneft, Tatneft amid international effortson 18 December 2025 at 6:19 pm
The UK has imposed fresh financial sanctions on Russian energy companies, intensifying international efforts to curb Moscow’s energy revenues amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The UK Treasury announced Dec. 18 that 24 additional companies have been added to the UK’s consolidated Russia sanctions list, subjecting them to measures including asset freezes. Among those targeted are energy players
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FACTBOX: Trump ramps up pressure on Venezuela with oil tanker blockadeon 17 December 2025 at 7:49 pm
US President Donald Trump has ordered a “total and complete blockade” of sanctioned oil tankers to and from Venezuela, escalating pressure to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power. The move follows the US seizure of the oil tanker Skipper Dec. 10 and subsequent sanctions against six shipping companies and tankers operating in Venezuela’s oil sector. “The illegitimate Maduro Regime is using
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US action in Venezuela sends strong broader signal to tankers: Frontlineon 17 December 2025 at 4:43 pm
US pressure on Venezuela, including the recent seizure of a tanker in Venezuelan waters, signals a bullish outlook for tanker markets, according to Frontline CEO Lars Barstad. Speaking at a Capital Link webinar on Dec. 16, Barstad said the US is demonstrating a willingness to tackle issues surrounding Venezuela, not only concerning oil but also broader geopolitical challenges. On Dec. 10, the US
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COMMODITIES 2026: Singapore biobunker demand faces slow start as regulatory uncertainty, costs weighon 17 December 2025 at 2:27 am
This is part of the COMMODITIES 2026 series, where our reporters bring you key themes that will drive commodities markets in 2026. Singapore, the world’s largest biobunkering hub, is expected to start 2026 at a slower pace as elevated costs and regulatory uncertainty dampen shipowner demand, according to regional suppliers, buyers and market traders. Shipping companies appear to be delaying