Currently, all Venezuelan crude oil exports go to China, and the Thousand Sunny, built in 2015, has been involved in this transport for several years, regularly operating between the ports of Jose in Venezuela and Ningbo in China. It is entered in the Chinese shipping register and sails under the Chinese flag, although its owner is unknown. The ship is also not on the United States sanctions list.
According to the London daily “Lloyd's List”, the tanker is currently crossing the South Atlantic, sailing to Venezuela, where it should reach in mid-January. But right at the destination, he will encounter dozens of American warships seizing tankers since mid-December, trying to break the blockade they have created.
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What is the purpose of the Thousand Sunny tanker's voyage?
When should the tanker arrive in Venezuela?
What did Donald Trump announce on December 16?
Is Thousand Sunny on the US sanctions list?
US President Donald Trump announced a “total and complete blockade” of Venezuelan crude oil on December 16, claiming that the proceeds from its sale are used to finance drug trafficking and organized crime. Although the lockdown is not complete; does not apply to US-based Chevron, which continues to export Venezuelan crude under a license issued by Washington.
Since Trump's declaration, the United States has seized a Guyanese-flagged ship that was on a U.S. sanctions list for its involvement in trade with Iran, which was allowed under U.S. anti-terrorism laws. Another detained vessel sailed under the flag of Panama and was transporting Venezuelan crude oil. The vessel is currently being escorted into Texas waters.
On December 20, the U.S. Coast Guard attempted to board another Guyana-flagged tanker bound for Venezuela. The ship was placed under US sanctions for cooperation with Hezbollah.
“Lloyd's List” wonders whether the United States will also apply a “total and complete” blockade to Chinese tankers, or whether it will allow them to break it? A Thousand Sunny has no intention of retreating as it has not changed its course or speed since its announcement.
