The United States seized the oil tanker MT Centuries off the coast of Venezuela on December 20, 2025. This marks the second tanker seizure involving Venezuelan oil by U.S. authorities.
Sal Mercogliano, a maritime historian at Campbell University and former merchant mariner, discussed the implications of this seizure in a recent episode. The action is part of ongoing U.S. efforts to enforce sanctions against Venezuela"s oil exports.
The seizure of the MT Centuries follows a previous incident involving another tanker, highlighting the U.S. government"s commitment to targeting sanctioned oil shipments. For more information on similar situations, see recent developments in U.S. actions against sanctioned vessels.
As the situation evolves, further details may emerge regarding the legal and geopolitical implications of this seizure.
Image for U.S. Seizes MT Centuries Tanker from Venezuela on December 20, 2025
![[Video] Sal Mercogliano warns of breakdown of law on the high seas](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fimage%2Fthumbnails%2Fthumbnail-1766292726255-8tf8ma-thumbnail.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
![[Video] U.S. Coast Guard seizes oil tanker last docked in Venezuela](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fimage%2Fthumbnails%2Fthumbnail-1766268127598-k1o5go-thumbnail.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
