U.S. Coast Guard Investigates Panama-Flagged Tanker Linked to Venezuelan Oil

On December 20, 2025, the U.S. Coast Guard initiated an investigation into a Panama-flagged oil tanker named the Centuries, which was reportedly involved in the transport of Venezuelan crude oil. The vessel is not listed among the tankers under U.S. sanctions, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Industry sources indicate that the cargo aboard the Centuries is associated with a well-established oil trader based in China, known for its history of transporting Venezuelan crude to Chinese refineries.

Key Details

The Centuries, the vessel in question, is registered under the flag of Panama. This registration is crucial as international maritime law allows for the boarding of ships if there are reasonable grounds to suspect that they are not legitimately registered to the state whose flag they are flying. A U.S. official stated that the Coast Guard is currently assessing the validity of the Panama registration for the Centuries.

According to the Treasury Department"s publicly maintained list, the Centuries is not included among the tankers that face U.S. sanctions. This detail is significant as it indicates that the vessel may be operating within legal parameters, despite its connections to Venezuelan oil, which is often subject to scrutiny due to U.S. sanctions against the Venezuelan government and its oil industry.

Industry sources have pointed out that the cargo on the Centuries is linked to a China-based oil trader. This trader has a documented history of transporting Venezuelan crude oil to refineries in China, highlighting the ongoing relationship between Venezuela and China in the oil sector, despite geopolitical tensions and sanctions imposed by the United States.

Background

The investigation into the Centuries comes amid heightened scrutiny of vessels involved in the transport of Venezuelan oil. The U.S. has implemented various sanctions aimed at crippling the Venezuelan oil industry, which is a critical source of revenue for the government of President Nicolás Maduro. The sanctions are part of broader efforts to pressure the Maduro regime amid allegations of human rights abuses and undemocratic practices.

In recent months, the U.S. Coast Guard has increased its operations in the Caribbean and surrounding waters, focusing on vessels suspected of violating these sanctions. This includes the boarding of ships that may be transporting oil from Venezuela, which has been a focal point of U.S. foreign policy in the region.

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What"s Next

The ongoing investigation into the Centuries will likely involve further scrutiny of its cargo and ownership. The determination of the validity of its Panama registration will be crucial in assessing whether the vessel can continue its operations without interference from U.S. authorities. The outcome of this investigation may also influence future maritime operations involving Venezuelan oil and the international community"s response to the ongoing sanctions regime.

For more information on similar situations, see our previous reports regarding the U.S. Coast Guard"s actions in the region.