Russian tanker HYPERION under US sanctions enters Caribbean waters

On December 16, 2025, the Russian shadow tanker HYPERION entered Caribbean waters after departing from the UMBA Offshore Terminal in Murmansk. The vessel is en route to the Jose Terminal in Venezuela.

The HYPERION is currently under sanctions imposed by the United States.

This development follows a pattern of Russian vessels navigating the Caribbean amid U.S. sanctions. In related coverage, there have been instances where Russian super tankers and vessels have turned back from the Caribbean to avoid potential U.S. seizure. For more on this topic, see recent developments.

Additionally, the U.S. has previously taken measures to block sanctioned oil tankers heading to Venezuela, as noted in reports regarding actions taken under the Trump administration. For further information, refer to earlier coverage.