Key Takeaways
- The oil tanker "Bella 1" has been renamed to "Marinera" and registered in Russia, according to the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping.
- The US Coast Guard had been pursuing the tanker for allegedly transporting Iranian oil, and the US had put sanctions on it late last year.
- Changing the ship’s name and flag may not affect US enforcement action, as the vessel’s underlying identity, ownership, and sanctions history are the primary factors driving US action.
- The tanker’s current location is approximately 2,000km west of continental Europe in the North Atlantic, based on AIS tracking data.
Introduction to the Tanker Pursuit
The oil tanker "Bella 1", now renamed to "Marinera", has been at the center of a high-stakes pursuit by the US Coast Guard. As reported, the US began pursuing the tanker off the coast of Venezuela after imposing sanctions on it late last year for allegedly transporting Iranian oil. This move is part of a broader effort by the US to put pressure on the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The US has previously seized two tankers in the southern Caribbean, demonstrating its commitment to enforcing sanctions and preventing the transportation of Iranian oil.
Renaming and Re-Registration of the Tanker
In a bid to potentially evade US enforcement, the tanker "Bella 1" has been renamed to "Marinera" and registered in Russia, according to the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping. This development has raised questions about the implications of such a move on the US’s ability to pursue the tanker. As Dimitris Ampatzidis, senior risk and compliance analyst at maritime intelligence firm Kpler, noted, "US action is driven by the vessel’s underlying identity (IMO number), ownership/control networks, and sanctions history, not by its painted markings or flag claim." This suggests that changing the ship’s name and flag may not necessarily change much in terms of US enforcement action.
International Law and Flag Protection
Under international law, vessels flying a country’s flag are under the protection of that nation. This means that, in theory, the Russian registration of the tanker "Marinera" could provide it with some level of protection from US enforcement. However, as Ampatzidis pointed out, the US is likely to prioritize the vessel’s underlying identity, ownership, and sanctions history over its flag or name. This approach is consistent with the US’s efforts to enforce sanctions and prevent the transportation of Iranian oil, regardless of the vessel’s flag or registration.
Current Location and Tracking
The current location of the tanker "Marinera" is approximately 2,000km west of continental Europe in the North Atlantic, based on AIS tracking data. While this data can be spoofed or faked, it provides some insight into the tanker’s movements and potential destination. As the US continues to pursue the tanker, it is likely that the vessel’s movements will be closely monitored, and any attempts to evade enforcement will be met with scrutiny.
Diplomatic Implications
The re-registration of the tanker "Marinera" in Russia may cause "diplomatic friction", as Ampatzidis noted. This development highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region, with the US, Russia, and Venezuela all having significant interests and stakes. As the situation continues to unfold, it is likely that diplomatic tensions will escalate, particularly if the US continues to pursue the tanker and enforce sanctions on Venezuela. The renaming and re-registration of the tanker "Marinera" may be seen as a strategic move by Russia to assert its influence in the region and challenge US enforcement efforts.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c87r0rr0qqzt
