Tracking data and shipping records indicate up to 16 sanctioned oil tankers left Venezuelan ports despite a U.S. naval blockade imposed after the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro. Several vessels reportedly used fake identities and spoofed signals; at least four supertankers were cleared to depart with transponders off, known as "dark mode." About 12 ships remain unlocated. U.S. officials say the blockade — and related maritime operations — will continue; Maduro faces federal charges in New York.
Sanctioned Oil Tankers Slip Out of Venezuela in 'Dark Mode' Despite U.S. Blockade
More than a dozen sanctioned oil tankers have reportedly departed Venezuelan ports in an apparent effort to evade a U.S.-led maritime blockade imposed after the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
Tracking data and shipping records reviewed by multiple outlets indicate as many as sixteen sanctioned tankers — many very large crude carriers typically bound for China — steamed toward international waters over the weekend.
Dark Mode, Fake Identities and Spoofed Signals
The New York Times tracked four vessels by satellite about 30 miles east of the Venezuelan coast and reported those ships were using false names and spoofed location signals to avoid detection. Internal PDVSA communications and two industry sources who requested anonymity told The Times the vessels left port without authorization from the interim government.
Separately, a source familiar with departure paperwork told Reuters that at least four supertankers were cleared by Venezuelan authorities to sail with satellite transponders turned off — a practice commonly described as operating in "dark mode." Officials say a larger group of smaller sanctioned vessels also departed after completing domestic routes or unloading imported goods.
As of the latest reports, about twelve vessels were actively operating in "dark mode" and had not been located by trackers.
Blockade And Military Action
U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, confirmed the blockade — first imposed on December 16 — would remain in place after Maduro's detention. U.S. forces have reportedly seized tankers near Venezuelan shores, and media reporting indicates that U.S. strikes on vessels accused of carrying drugs have killed more than 100 people since attacks began in September; U.S. officials have said such operations will continue.
Legal Proceedings
Maduro is scheduled to appear in federal court in New York, where he faces charges that include narco-terrorism conspiracy, weapons offenses, and cocaine-importation conspiracy, according to indictment reports.
What to watch next: tracking firms and maritime authorities are continuing efforts to locate the ships listed as operating in dark mode, while diplomats and maritime insurers assess the implications for international shipping and sanctions enforcement.
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