Olina Vessel Reviews and Specifications

On January 9, 2026, United States military forces successfully intercepted the oil tanker 'Olina' in the Caribbean, near Trinidad, marking the fifth instance of U.S. engagement with Venezuelan crude shipments in a matter of weeks. The vessel was discovered flying a fraudulent Timor-Leste flag, a strategy associated with the so-called 'shadow fleet,' which aims to sidestep international regulations. The last recorded position of the 'Olina' on its Automatic Identification System (AIS) was in November 2025, when it was spotted off the Venezuelan coast in the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ), northeast of Curaçao. Prior to this location, the vessel had docked at various ports in South Korea and China. The 'Olina' had taken on cargo at the José Terminal in Venezuela between December 24 and 25, 2025, commencing its transit through the Caribbean between January 2 and January 4. Owner information shows that 'Olina' has been registered in Hong Kong under the company Tantye Peur Ltd. since July 2025. Notably, the ship is blacklisted not only by U.S. authorities but also by the United Kingdom, the European Union, Canada, Australia, and several other international coalitions due to its involvement in transporting oil against sanctions. Previously, the U.S. Treasury Department referred to the vessel by the name 'Minerva M' when it was listed under Panama's flag, though it retained the same unique IMO number shared with the 'Olina'. This ship was also implicated in sanctions related to the Ukraine/Russia situation. The registration details surrounding the tanker appear murky, as the 'Olina' has been reported operating under multiple flags, including Timor-Leste and an 'unknown' flag. For more details, including photo and video coverage, visit: https://www.dw.com/en/us-seizes-venezuela-linked-olina-oil-tanker-in-caribbean/a-75454021 and https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CYnxix6mDgY&pp=0gcJCTIBo7VqN5tD.