Another shadowy tanker raises Russian flag near Venezuela

This is the second case in a short time among the vessels of the “shadow fleet” after the story with Bella 1 / Marinera.

In Venezuelan waters, the “shadow” tanker Hyperion has been transferred to the Russian flag and changed owner. This is reported by “Ukrinform”.

Thus, on December 24, Hyperion changed its registration from Gambia to Russia, and on December 22, ownership and management rights were transferred to the St. Petersburg-registered company New Fleet Ltd.

Such a change of flag to the Russian one is considered a quick tool to reduce the risk of interception or arrest within the framework of the strengthened US policy. Experts warn that if the tactic is not challenged, it can be used by hundreds of ships trying to avoid arrests and sanctions.

Currently, according to analysts, more than six dozen tankers are waiting in the waters near Venezuela, many of them fully loaded.

Before that, Russia took the tanker “Bella 1” under protection, which was pursued by the US Coast Guard.