Guyana’s Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) said on Wednesday night that a crude oil tanker was caught falsely flying the country’s flag in international waters.
“The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has observed the proliferation and unacceptable trend of the unauthorized use of the Guyana Flag by vessels that are not registered in Guyana,” the regulator said.
MARAD said the United States government notified Georgetown that it had encountered the Motor Tanker SKIPPER (formerly ADISA), IMO 9304667, which is not registered in Guyana despite displaying the Guyana flag.
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According to Reuters, the vessel which was seized by the U.S. was carrying Venezuelan oil, as part of a shadow fleet of vessels that turn off their signal or otherwise disguise their locations. The shadow fleet is understood to have been employed by traders to transport the country’s oil since the imposition of sanctions by Washington.
Venezuela described Washington’s seizure of the vessel as “an act of international piracy”, Reuters said.
MARAD said it is working with international partners and maritime agencies to identify and pursue vessels involved in the illegal practice, and pledged “firm action” against offenders.
