Detention of the oil tanker Olina
The United States confirmed the detention of the sanctioned oil tanker Olina in the Caribbean Sea, which occurred on January 9, 2026. The operation was carried out by Marines from the USS Gerald R. Ford. The tanker Olina, which had previously sailed from Venezuela, is also known as Minerva M. The vessel is subject to US sanctions due to its involvement in the transportation of Russian oil.
This detention is part of a broader campaign by the United States against tankers that violate sanctions. Earlier, tankers Bella I and Sophia had already been detained, indicating the activity of American forces in this region. The United States also plans to bring criminal charges against the crew members of the tanker Marinera, previously known as Bella I.
Shadow fleets will not escape justice.
Kristi Noem, U.S. Representative
Impact on international policy
The detention of the tanker Olina is an important step in the efforts of the United States to monitor international oil supplies, especially in the context of sanctions imposed on countries supporting aggressive actions against the international order. The exposure and detention of vessels violating these sanctions can have a significant impact on the automotive and energy policies of producing countries, particularly Venezuela and Russia.
The United States continues to emphasize its readiness to counter illegal supplies, indicating the activation of their foreign policy in the realm of security and economics.