Lia Vessel Reviews and Specifications

The United States government has announced sanctions on an additional six tankers attempting to circumvent the oil transport embargo imposed on Venezuela. Among these vessels are four that are associated with Ukraine, one from Russia, and one hailing from Venezuela itself. Notably, three of the sanctioned tankers—the 'Balita', 'Domani', and 'Freedom'—are managed by Fides Ship Management, a Ukrainian shipping company. Additionally, the 'Legacy' was previously operated by Fides Ship Management in 2020 but has since transitioned to Panthea Marine and is currently run by the Russian entity Berylicious. The remaining two vessels include the 'Maxim Gorki', directed by Transocean Shipping in Moscow, while being owned by Venezuela's governmental body INEA, and the 'Sierra', which is under the operation of Rustanker.

The oil tanker 'Gerd Knutsen' has commenced the discharge of its cargo after an astonishing wait of 367 days off the coast of Venezuela. The vessel is currently unloading a substantial 950,000 barrels of Venezuelan crude oil at Puerto Jose, with an estimated worth of around $50 million. The crude is linked to Citgo Petroleum Corp., the U.S.-based refiner overseen by appointees of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido. 'Gerd Knutsen' initially docked at a terminal managed by Petroleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA), the state-owned oil company under the control of President Nicolas Maduro, on February 11, 2020. However, it remains uncertain whether the tanker is discharging its cargo with the approval of Guaido’s Citgo. In a dramatic twist, an attempt by a shadow board of Citgo directors, appointed by Maduro, to seize the cargo was thwarted by a U.S. court back in December 2019.

In the early hours of January 17, 2019, the 'Gerd Knutsen' found itself a victim of theft while anchored at Puerto Jose, Venezuela, specifically at coordinates 10° 11.70'N, 64° 47.30'W. At approximately 3:40 AM, intruders stealthily boarded the vessel and made off with various ship supplies. The theft came to light when the duty crew conducted their regular patrol, promptly alerting port authorities of the incident. The swift response aims to enhance maritime security in the area and prevent future occurrences.