This tactic is occasionally employed by ships ferrying sanctioned oil in order to obscure their trajectories and cargoes. Venezuela’s oil industry, once a global powerhouse, has been decimated by years of sanctions and underinvestment. The Skipper, the first Venezuela tanker to be targeted by US forces, was using this tactic when it was captured earlier this month. Many in the dark fleet turn to flags of convenience or false registrations to avoid inspection. Venezuela’s regular dark fleet tankers are typically provided by other countries, as Caracas is unable to finance its own flotilla, and cannot rely on an existing fleet that is too small and old.

Source: Bangkok Post December 24, 2025 14:17 UTC