US-seized oil vessel falsely using Guyana’s flag – MARAD

The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has raised concerns over the unauthorised use of the Guyana flag after the United States informed the agency that a foreign vessel was found flying it without proper registration.
According to MARAD, the motor tanker SKIPPER, formerly known as ADISA and assigned IMO Number 9304667, was encountered in international waters flying the Guyana flag despite not being registered in the country. The agency described the practice as unacceptable and pledged to work with international partners and maritime authorities to identify and take action against vessels falsely using the national flag.
In a Reuters report it was stated that US authorities confirmed that the tanker was seized off the coast of Venezuela in a coordinated operation involving the FBI, Homeland Security, the Coast Guard, and military support. A 45-second video released by US Attorney General Pam Bondi showed helicopters approaching the vessel and armed personnel boarding it.
The seizure follows US sanctions against the vessel, which had been involved in transporting oil from Venezuela and Iran under its previous name, ADISA. Satellite and shipping data indicate that the SKIPPER left Venezuela’s Jose port between December 4 and 5, carrying approximately 1.1 million barrels of Merey heavy crude.
The Venezuelan Government denounced the seizure as “blatant theft” and an “act of international piracy”, vowing to defend its sovereignty and take the matter to international bodies.
MARAD has reiterated its commitment to enforcing proper use of the Guyana flag and stated it will continue collaborating with global maritime agencies to prevent similar incidents.