U.S. Coast Guard seizes Chinese-owned tanker M/T CENTURIES off Venezuela

U.S. Coast Guard Seizes Chinese-Owned Tanker M/T CENTURIES Off Venezuela

On December 20, 2025, the U.S. Coast Guard, with assistance from the U.S. Navy, successfully interdicted and seized the Panamanian-flagged, Chinese-owned crude oil supertanker M/T CENTURIES in the Southern Caribbean Sea, off the coast of Venezuela. This operation is part of the Trump Administration"s intensified campaign to exert pressure on the government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, as reported by officials to the Wall Street Journal.

Key Details

The M/T CENTURIES is a supertanker that has been sanctioned due to its ownership and operations linked to Chinese interests. The vessel was seized in a strategic area known for its proximity to Venezuela, a country that has been under significant scrutiny from the U.S. government due to its political and economic situation. The seizure highlights ongoing tensions between the United States and Venezuela, particularly under the leadership of President Maduro, who has faced accusations of authoritarianism and mismanagement of the nation"s resources.

In a related development, earlier reports mistakenly identified the M/T CENTURIES as the Comoros Islands-flagged, Indian-owned tanker M/T DIANCHI. However, the M/T DIANCHI remains a target of U.S. sanctions and is currently operating off the coast of Venezuela. This confusion underscores the complexities of maritime operations and the challenges in tracking sanctioned vessels in international waters.

Background

The U.S. government"s actions against vessels like the M/T CENTURIES and M/T DIANCHI are part of a broader strategy to disrupt the flow of oil and other resources that support the Maduro regime. The Trump Administration has implemented various sanctions aimed at crippling Venezuela"s economy, which is heavily reliant on oil exports. These sanctions are intended to pressure the Venezuelan government to restore democratic processes and address widespread humanitarian issues affecting its population.

Venezuela has been facing a severe economic crisis, characterized by hyperinflation, food shortages, and a mass exodus of its citizens. The U.S. has been vocal in its support for opposition leaders and has sought to delegitimize Maduro"s government through diplomatic and economic means.

What"s Next

The seizure of the M/T CENTURIES may have significant implications for maritime trade in the region and could escalate tensions between the United States and China, particularly regarding their respective interests in Venezuela. As the U.S. continues to enforce sanctions and conduct operations against sanctioned vessels, it remains to be seen how the Chinese government will respond to these actions. The situation in Venezuela is fluid, and further developments are likely as the U.S. maintains its stance against the Maduro administration.

For more information on related topics, see our coverage on U.S. Coast Guard seizes sanctioned vessel off Venezuela coast and Sal Mercogliano discusses Trump"s "Blockade" of Venezuela and shipping impact.