WASHINGTON, DC — THE Donald Trump administration has stepped up pressure on the Venezuelan government, imposing new sanctions on companies involved in transporting Venezuelan oil and closely aligned with President Nicolás Maduro, in what US officials say is an effort to curb sanctions evasion.
Through the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the United States sanctioned four companies operating in Venezuela’s oil sector and identified four oil tankers linked to those entities as blocked property.
According to the Treasury Department, the vessels — some of which are part of what it described as a “shadow fleet” serving Venezuela — continue to provide financial resources that support what the US characterises as Maduro’s “illegitimate narco-terrorist regime.”
“President Trump has been clear: We will not allow the illegitimate Maduro regime to profit from exporting oil while it floods the United States with deadly drugs,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement. “The Treasury Department will continue to implement President Trump’s campaign of pressure on Maduro’s regime.”
In a separate media release, the Department said the Maduro administration has increasingly relied on a global shadow fleet to facilitate sanctionable activities, including evading existing restrictions, and to generate revenue for what it described as destabilising operations. Officials said the latest action underscores that those involved in the Venezuelan oil trade continue to face significant sanctions risks.
The Trump administration has long sought to force Maduro from office through sweeping sanctions targeting him, members of his family, close associates, and linked organisations. Washington has accused the Venezuelan leader of involvement in narcotics trafficking and alleged ties to criminal groups, including Tren de Aragua.
The latest measures complement recent OFAC actions against the Maduro government, including sanctions imposed on PDVSA-linked officials, associates, and vessels on December 11 and December 19.
Among the entities sanctioned are:
NORD STAR (IMO: 9323596), whose registered owner is Corniola Limited and whose ship manager and operator is Krape Myrtle Co Ltd. OFAC said the vessel has transported Venezuelan oil and designated both companies under Executive Order 13850 for operating in Venezuela’s oil sector. The vessel has been identified as blocked property.
ROSALIND, also known as LUNAR TIDE (IMO: 9277735), owned by Winky International Limited. OFAC said the tanker has transported Venezuelan oil and designated Winky International Limited under Executive Order 13850, identifying the vessel as blocked property.
DELLA (IMO: 9227479), owned by Aries Global Investment Ltd. OFAC said the company has operated in Venezuela’s oil sector and identified both the DELLA and VALIANT (IMO: 9409247) oil tankers as blocked property linked to the firm.
