- Category
- Latest news
Second Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker Reflags Near Venezuela to Avoid US Seizure
- Authors
![Photo of Vlad Litnarovych]( "Photo of Vlad Litnarovych")
A second oil tanker linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” has switched to a Russian flag in waters near Venezuela, a move widely seen as an attempt to avoid possible seizure by US authorities, according to maritime industry outlet gCaptain, which reported the development on January 5.
The tanker Hyperion reflagged to Russia after arriving in Venezuelan waters. The move follows a similar case involving the tanker Bella 1, which later reappeared under the name Marinera after changing its flag to Russian.
Every article pushes back against disinformation. Your support keeps our team in the field.
Dozens of tankers are currently operating in Venezuelan waters, many of them loaded with oil. Analysts warn that reflagging to Russia could evolve into a broader evasion tactic as enforcement approaches tighten, particularly amid increased US scrutiny of illicit oil shipments.
The Hyperion loaded petroleum products in December at the Russian Arctic port of Murmansk before delivering the cargo to Venezuela. This marks the first known case directly linking Russia’s Arctic export routes with Venezuela’s shadow oil trade.
After unloading, the tanker sailed to Cartagena, where the reflagging is believed to have taken place. Under international maritime law, vessels cannot change flags while underway, making a port call necessary for the transfer.
Before switching to the Russian registry, the tanker had previously sailed under the flags of Liberia, Gabon, Barbados, and the Comoros.
The Hyperion officially adopted the Russian flag on December 24. Ownership and management were simultaneously transferred to New Fleet Ltd., a company based in Saint Petersburg. As of January 6, the tanker was en route to the Russian port of Ust-Luga.
Earlier, Russia formally asked the United States to stop pursuing an oil tanker that had been fleeing the US Coast Guard across international waters.
-7f54d6f9a1e9b10de9b3e7ee663a18d9.png)
-72b63a4e0c8c475ad81fe3eed3f63729.jpeg "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
-111f0e5095e02c02446ffed57bfb0ab1.jpeg "Photo of Roman Kohanets")