Jose M. Macias III
After months-long journey marked by suspicious behavior, identity changes, and attempts to evade international scrutiny the United States seized sanctioned Russian oil tanker Marinera, formerly known as Bella-1. According to the U.S. attorney general, a U.S. federal court issued a warrant to seize the ship for transporting sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran. The Marinera is a very large crude carrier (VLCC) with a deadweight tonnage range between 200,000 and 320,000. Vessels in the VLCC class are estimated to have a capacity of approximately 2 million barrels of oil.
Notably, Russia approved its flag registration without inspection of the vessel, occurring mid-chase and likely violating Article 92 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which states that flag changes cannot occur without a real transfer of ownership or change in registry. The frequent change in ownership and flags is a quintessential trick used by oil runners to keep operating and represents nothing more than new companies on paper, usually in states with minimal jurisdiction oversight. In addition, Russia submitted a rare diplomatic request to the United States that it cease its pursuit of the Marinera. In the early morning of January 7, 2026, Russia reportedly dispatched a submarine to escort the tanker.
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