US Government seizes crude oil tanker 'NEURUS SOPHIA'

The U.S. government has seized the crude oil tanker "NEURUS SOPHIA," also known as "NEW POWER," according to reports from observers. The tanker, identified by IMO number 9266853 and MMSI number 620800046, had recently made trips to several locations including Vladivostok, Russia, and two ports in China, with a possible ship-to-ship transfer occurring in North Korea before heading to Venezuela.

This action follows a series of recent developments involving U.S. forces and maritime activities in the region. For instance, U.S. forces previously stopped two merchant vessels off Venezuela after a blockade announcement, highlighting ongoing tensions and enforcement measures in the area. Additionally, the U.S. Coast Guard has seized other vessels, including a Chinese-owned tanker, as part of its efforts to regulate maritime activities related to sanctions.

The seizure of the "NEURUS SOPHIA" underscores the U.S. government"s continued focus on maritime security and enforcement in relation to oil shipments linked to Venezuela.