U.S. Coast Guard forces, supported by the Department of War, boarded the Motor Tanker “Centuries” in international waters. The operation was part of a broader campaign to enforce sanctions against Venezuela and disrupt the flow of oil believed to fund illicit activities.
Why Was the Tanker Detained?
The Centuries had completed its seventh voyage to Venezuela, loading crude oil for export to China. Although the vessel was not listed on U.S., EU, or UK sanctions lists, its connection to Venezuela’s oil trade triggered the U.S. response. The operation reflects heightened scrutiny of maritime activities linked to sanctioned states and demonstrates the reach of U.S. enforcement efforts.
International Reactions
- U.S. Response: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasised the commitment to stopping the movement of sanctioned oil and protecting U.S. interests.
- Venezuelan Response: The Maduro government condemned the action as “theft and kidnapping,” pledging to seek justice through international bodies such as the United Nations Security Council.
Impact on Maritime Security and Trade
This incident underscores several critical issues for the maritime industry:
- Sanctions Enforcement: The operation signals increased risk for vessels engaged in trade with sanctioned states, even if not directly listed.
- Legal and Diplomatic Challenges: Boarding a vessel in international waters raises complex jurisdictional and international law questions.
- Operational Risk: Shipowners, operators, and insurers must assess the evolving risk landscape, particularly in regions with heightened enforcement.
Conclusion
The detention of MT Centuries by U.S. authorities is another significant event for international maritime security and trade. It signifies the efforts made by the US to weaken the Iranian and Venezuelan economies and draw them back to dialogue and into compliance with the efforts to control economies that support terrorist acts.
General Particulars of MT Centuries
- Vessel Name: MT Centuries
- IMO Number: 9206310
- Type: Crude Oil Tanker (VLCC)
- Flag: Panama
- Year Built: 2001
- Length Overall: 333.28 metres
- Beam: 58.04 metres
- Gross Tonnage: 160,084
- Deadweight Tonnage (DWT): Approximately 309,460 tonnes
- Cargo Capacity: About 1.8 million barrels of crude oil (recent voyage)
- Current Status: Active, last reported en route to Asia after loading at Venezuela’s Jose Terminal.
Management Company Information
- Registered Owner / Manager: Centuries Shipping (China)
- Ownership History: The vessel was acquired by Centuries Shipping in 2021 and has been registered in Panama since then.
- Company Profile: Centuries Shipping is a China-based shipping company, reportedly operating a fleet of large crude oil tankers (VLCCs) engaged in international oil transport, including regular voyages between Venezuela and China.
- Operational Notes: The company is known for its involvement in the “dark fleet” – older tankers used to transport sanctioned or high-risk cargoes. The Centuries has completed at least seven voyages to Venezuela for crude oil export.
Additional Insights
- The vessel and its management company have recently been in the spotlight due to the U.S. Coast Guard’s boarding and apprehension operation in the Caribbean, as part of efforts to enforce sanctions on Venezuelan oil exports.
- The Centuries is not currently listed on U.S., EU, or UK sanctions lists, but its connection to Venezuela’s oil trade has triggered increased scrutiny.
