No wonder that the Marinera, a new 300-meter-long crude oil tanker, is already attracting worldwide attention. Now, with the ship on those very waters, curiosity swells across the globe. Russia’s recent reflagging of this particular vessel raised the ire of the United States. From there, the U.S. boarded the ship, claiming that it was carrying illegal cargo. The Marinera embodies the salami slice, cover your tracks strategy employed by state adversaries such as Iran and Venezuela. These are some of the ways these countries use these methods to evade Western sanctions.
Before turning southwest, the Marinera made a stop to change its name, from Bella 1 to Bella Ciao. It had been transiting through a corridor heavy with geopolitical conflict when US forces intercepted. The US Treasury first sanctioned the tanker in June 2024. This action comes on the heels of these allegations regarding its carriage of cargo to Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant group.
For a few days, US surveillance aircraft followed the Marinera’s every move. Simultaneously, a British Royal Air Force surveillance aircraft monitored its path in real time. That ship sailed back across the Atlantic with a mighty convoy. Russian naval assets, including a Russian submarine, escorted it on its round trip. US and Russian military asset placement in this situation raises very serious concerns. We need to look at the bigger picture in how these tactics play out.
The Marinera’s route has already linked Iran and Venezuela. This channel is thought to be used to facilitate other illicit trade activities, including arms trafficking. Upon its seizure by US forces, the tanker was reportedly empty of oil, which raises further speculation about its intended purpose.
“Why have the US put all these assets into the UK just for some oil tanker?” – John Foreman
The US Treasury’s sanctions against the Marinera reflect ongoing efforts to target entities associated with Hezbollah and other groups deemed threatening to US interests. The Department of Justice has made clear that it will pursue to the fullest anyone that breaks these sanctions. They are particularly interested in the Marinera because of its well-documented ties.
Further complicating matters, Craig Kennedy offered insight into the situation, stating, “This was Russia trying to gain leverage by intervening in the US blockade.” These Russian naval forces have deployed in tandem with the Marinera. This step illustrates in neon bright colors their intent to contest US hegemony in international waters — particularly in actions that can be characterized as provocative and/or unilateral.
“Could it be Russian arms going to Venezuela?” – John Foreman
This is being monitored closely by international observers. It demonstrates the new complexities of maritime operations connected to great power conflicts. Analysts hope the US seizure sends the strongest possible signal to those engaged in illicit trade. Finally, they tell us that this surprising move shows the precarious state of global waters’ balance of power.