Three vessels chartered by U.S. energy giant Chevron are currently transporting crude oil from Venezuela to the United States, according to an analysis of ship-tracking data, as concerns mount over rising oil storage levels caused by export restrictions on the South American nation.
Out of 11 vessels reportedly booked by Chevron, three were confirmed to be en route to U.S. ports on Thursday. Two additional tankers were anchored at the Bajo Grande refinery port in western Venezuela, while six others were sailing toward the country, based on data compiled from maritime tracking platforms.
Chevron remains the only U.S. company still operating in Venezuela and continues to ship crude to the U.S. under a regular export arrangement. The ongoing shipments come amid heightened scrutiny of Venezuela’s oil sector following renewed sanctions and export constraints.
While the vessels were in transit, U.S. President Donald Trump stated earlier in the week that Venezuela would hand over between 30 million and 50 million barrels of sanctioned crude oil to the United States, a remark that further intensified debate over Washington’s handling of Caracas’ oil exports.
Energy analysts have warned that restrictions on Venezuelan crude exports are contributing to a sharp buildup of oil in storage facilities. One of Chevron’s chartered vessels, Ionic Anassa, was last tracked passing near Cuba en route to Pascagoula Port in Mississippi after loading crude at Bajo Grande on January 4.
Another tanker, Nave Photon, was sighted north of Caracas heading toward Port Freeport in Texas, having loaded crude at the Jose terminal in eastern Venezuela earlier in the week. It was closely followed by the Mediterranean Voyager, which also appeared to have taken on cargo at the same terminal.
Meanwhile, two vessels—the Minerva Gloria and Searuby—were anchored at the Bajo Grande port. While Minerva Gloria appeared to be fully loaded, Searuby was reportedly empty. Six other vessels, believed to be empty, were said to be approaching Venezuelan waters.
Chevron declined to provide specific details on the movement of the vessels, stating only that it continues to operate in full compliance with applicable laws and remains focused on the safety and wellbeing of its workforce.
Data from energy analysts indicate that crude oil inventories in Venezuela have been steadily increasing since the seizure of a tanker in December. Recent satellite and radar assessments show that onshore oil storage has surpassed 22 million barrels, nearly half of the country’s total storage capacity.
Analysts also reported a sharp rise in offshore oil storage, with millions of barrels currently held on large tankers near the Venezuelan coast, signalling growing export bottlenecks as loading activity slows.
Experts warn that if restrictions persist, Venezuela’s oil inventories—both onshore and offshore—are expected to continue rising in the coming weeks.
