U.S. Sanctions and Guyana’s Response

Five tankers recently sanctioned by the United States as part of a global oil smuggling network are falsely claiming to be registered in Guyana, according to the country’s Maritime Administration Department. The agency called the registrations “false and fraudulent” and emphasized that Guyana’s shipping registry is tightly regulated.

The Vessels Under Scrutiny

The tankers in question are:

Ramona I (164,445 dwt), built in 2002, reportedly owned by a company in Panama.
Mia (149,686 dwt), built in 1993, listed as owned and operated by a Seychelles-based company.
Lia (146,273 dwt), built in 1996, reportedly traced to a company in the Marshall Islands.
Chloe (159,539 dwt), built in 1999, with ownership details unidentified.
Baron (46,166 dwt), a product tanker built in 1995 and managed by a company in Lebanon but flagged as Daran in databases and listed under Iran.

Equasis, an international shipping database, flags the four crude oil tankers as using false flags.

Guyana’s Maritime Fraud Warnings

Guyana has been aware of fraudulent ship registrations since 2021 and has repeatedly warned about these incidents. In May 2024, the government identified unauthorized groups placing vessels on the registry without proper authorization. Officials confirmed that perpetrators of these schemes have also targeted countries like Panama and others in the region.

“The perpetrators of this fraud have targeted several countries including Guyana, Panama, and regional states,” said the Maritime Administration Department, adding that it has shared details with regional and international maritime associations.

Guyana’s Closed Registry Policy

Guyana emphasized that it does not operate a flag of convenience and maintains a strict ship registry to protect its sovereignty and maritime integrity. Authorities continue to take steps to prevent unauthorized vessel registrations and safeguard the nation’s maritime reputation.

Conclusion

The recent sanctions imposed by the United States on the five tankers falsely claiming to be registered in Guyana highlight the importance of maintaining a strict and regulated ship registry. Guyana’s efforts to prevent fraudulent registrations and protect its maritime reputation are commendable, and it is essential for other countries to follow suit.

FAQs

Q: What is the purpose of the sanctions imposed by the United States?

A: The sanctions aim to disrupt a global oil smuggling network and prevent the export of Iranian oil to Syria and East Asia.

Q: What is Guyana’s ship registry policy?

A: Guyana operates a closed registry, which means that only vessels owned by Guyanese nationals, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) citizens, or corporations established under Guyanese law can be registered under its flag.

Q: How does Guyana prevent fraudulent registrations?

A: Guyana takes steps to prevent unauthorized vessel registrations by maintaining a strict registry and sharing information with regional and international maritime associations.