Two Supertankers Leave Venezuelan Waters with Oil

• The tankers, which are not under sanctions, departed from PDVSA's Amuay anchorage on Venezuela's western coast
• Global traders Vitol and Trafigura received U.S. licenses last week to trade Venezuelan oil under a deal valued at roughly $2 billion for 50 million barrels
• The vessels' intended destinations and whether the cargoes are part of Trump's announced supply deal have not been confirmed

Summary

Two supertankers departed Venezuelan waters on Monday carrying crude oil, according to Tankertrackers.com and PDVSA shipping records. The vessels left from state-run PDVSA's Amuay anchorage area on Venezuela's western coast, though their final destinations remain unclear.

The shipments may be linked to a 50-million-barrel supply deal announced by U.S. President Donald Trump last week, valued at approximately $2 billion. As part of this agreement, global trading houses Vitol and Trafigura recently received U.S. licenses to negotiate and trade Venezuelan oil cargoes.

Significantly, the departing tankers are not under sanctions, enabling them to legally transport Venezuelan crude. PDVSA did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the shipments.

Market Implications:

This development marks a potential easing of restrictions on Venezuelan oil exports, which could increase global crude supply and impact oil prices. The involvement of major trading houses Vitol and Trafigura signals growing commercial interest in Venezuelan crude following the U.S.-sanctioned deal. The $2 billion agreement represents a significant revenue opportunity for Venezuela's struggling oil sector while potentially providing the U.S. with additional crude supplies.

Key Details:

• Volume: 50 million barrels (total deal)
• Deal value: Approximately $2 billion
• Date: January 12 (departure date)
• Location: Amuay anchorage, western Venezuela
• Companies involved: PDVSA, Vitol, Trafigura

The situation warrants monitoring as it could signal a broader shift in U.S.-Venezuela energy relations and affect global oil market dynamics.