Venezuelan Authorities Seize Guyanese-Flagged Tanker for Unauthorized Entry

 

The Venezuelan military has seized the oil and chemical tanker Four Plus (IMO: 9203930), which was flying the Guyanese flag, accusing it of unauthorized entry into Venezuelan territorial waters. According to a report by the Venezuelan newspaper Últimas Noticias, the vessel was detained while docked at the port of Guamache in the Nueva Esparta state. The tanker’s crew, consisting of Chinese nationals, was onboard during the operation.

The Four Plus, a vessel with a length overall of 183.2 meters and a width of 32.2 meters, was reportedly operating without the required authorization to navigate in Venezuelan waters. A delegation led by Captain Jackson Bacallao González, commander of the Pampatar Coast Guard Station on Margarita Island, boarded the ship. The delegation included personnel from the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence, the Anti-Drug Intelligence Unit 71, the Bolivarian National Police Immigration Division, and the Venezuelan Institute of Aquatic Spaces (INEA).

This incident comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions between Venezuela and Guyana. Just last week, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro announced plans to campaign in the disputed Essequibo region to elect a governor for the territory, which spans 149,500 square kilometers—an area equivalent to half the size of Italy. In 2023, Venezuela annexed the Essequibo region through a controversial referendum, prompting Guyana’s government to issue a strong protest, labeling the move a flagrant violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.

The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) of Guyana has since clarified that the Four Plus is not officially registered in Guyana and was fraudulently flying the country’s flag. MARAD stated that Guyana operates a closed ship registry and does not offer a flag of convenience. The agency stressed that the tanker’s claim to Guyanese nationality is invalid.

MARAD also pointed to the broader issue of fraudulently registered vessels and the so-called “shadow fleet” that continues to evade international regulations. The issue has recently garnered attention following the U.S. Treasury Department’s sanctions on five oil tankers linked to a Syrian conglomerate with ties to Iran and Venezuela. These vessels, like the Four Plus, carried false registration documents. MARAD noted that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is expected to address these unlawful practices during its 112th Legal Committee session in March this year.

This incident highlights the complexities of maritime law enforcement and the challenges posed by fraudulent ship registrations. The geopolitical tensions between Venezuela and Guyana over the Essequibo region add another layer of significance to the tanker’s seizure. As the international maritime community seeks to crack down on shadow fleets and unlawful practices, this case underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement mechanisms and cooperation among nations.