Marinera

The Marinera is a Russian-flagged oil tanker that has recently become the focus of international news due to its seizure by US forces. The vessel is linked to Venezuela's oil exports, which are subject to US sanctions. The seizure is part of a broader US effort to control Venezuelan oil exports and exert pressure on the Venezuelan government. Recent events involve the US military boarding and seizing the Marinera in the North Atlantic, leading to legal action by the captain's wife claiming unlawful detention. The Marinera is part of a larger "shadow fleet" of tankers, some of which are reflagging to Russia, allegedly to gain protection from US seizure. This situation highlights growing tensions surrounding sanctioned oil trade, the use of shadow fleets, and the potential for confrontation between the US and countries involved in these activities. The presence of 'irregular' armed guards aboard these tankers is also raising concerns among Nordic-Baltic governments.