Four tankers that left Venezuela in 'dark mode' have returned to its waters

PDVSA and TankerTrackers.com reported that at least four tankers which departed Venezuela with transponders off have been seen back in Venezuelan waters; one ship was seized earlier by U.S. authorities and another was later released.

PDVSA and the monitoring group TankerTrackers.com reported that at least four tankers that left Venezuela in early January with their transponders turned off have been seen back in the country’s waters. The departures took place amid a U.S. embargo that has reduced Venezuela’s oil exports. U.S. authorities intercepted and seized one tanker when it was returning, and another was intercepted and later released, officials reported. The developments come as Caracas and Washington are negotiating an oil supply arrangement. Known details: - At least four tankers that departed Venezuela in early January with transponders off were reported back in Venezuelan waters. - One Panama-flagged supertanker, M Sophia, was seized by U.S. authorities; the Aframax tanker Olina was intercepted and later released, according to PDVSA. - PDVSA and TankerTrackers.com provided the location reports based on satellite imagery and company statements, as reported. - U.S. officials said the next step would be the start of organized crude exports under a $2 billion supply deal being negotiated between Caracas and Washington, and that trading houses had received U.S. licences to begin related negotiations. Summary: The reported return of these vessels is tied to ongoing negotiations about resuming organized crude exports under a negotiated supply arrangement. Officials reported that the next procedural step would be the beginning of organized exports as part of a $2 billion deal; timing and detailed arrangements remain undetermined at this time.