Russia Deploys Naval Escort for Oil Tanker Tracked by US Forces

Russia has deployed naval assets to escort an oil tanker crossing the North Atlantic. These assets include a submarine and surface vessels. The oil tanker is also being monitored by the United States, according to US officials.

The tanker is currently sailing between Iceland and the British Isles. Washington accuses it of violating US sanctions related to the transport of Iranian oil. The vessel has previously carried Venezuelan crude, although officials say it is believed to be empty at present.

Formerly known as Bella 1, the ship has recently been renamed Marinera. It appears to have changed its registration from Guyana to Russia while underway. This is a rare move that has intensified international scrutiny.

Last month, US President Donald Trump announced a new policy. He described it as a “blockade” of sanctioned oil tankers. These tankers were entering and leaving Venezuela. The Venezuelan government condemned the measure, calling it an unlawful seizure of property.

Naval movements and rising tensions

Two US officials said Russian naval forces had been assigned to accompany the tanker as it continued its transatlantic route. The officials added that American authorities were considering enforcement options. They preferred boarding and seizing the ship rather than using force.

The US Coast Guard attempted to board the vessel last month in the Caribbean after obtaining a warrant linked to alleged sanctions breaches. Shortly afterwards, the tanker altered course and headed toward European waters.

The ship’s movement has coincided with increased US military activity in the region, including the arrival of transport aircraft and helicopters. Russia’s foreign ministry said it was “monitoring the situation with concern” and accused the US and Nato of focusing excessive attention on what it described as a civilian vessel.

“At present, the ship is sailing in international waters under the Russian flag and in compliance with international maritime law,” the ministry said in a statement.

Tracking and monitoring

Open-source ship-tracking data indicates that the Marinera was located in the North Atlantic around 300 kilometres south of Iceland on Tuesday morning. Earlier data suggests the vessel travelled north along the western coastline of the United Kingdom over the past two days.

The US military’s Southern Command said it remains prepared to assist government agencies in enforcing sanctions against vessels of interest transiting the region.

The UK Ministry of Defence declined to comment, stating it does not discuss the military activities of other countries.

Legal and sanctions implications

Maritime analysts note that changing a vessel’s name or flag does not automatically prevent enforcement action. Sanctions decisions are typically based on a ship’s IMO number, ownership structure, and operational history rather than its external markings.

Experts say that switching to a Russian registry may complicate enforcement efforts, as international maritime law grants additional protections to vessels operating under a recognised national flag. Mid-voyage reflagging, however, is considered highly unusual and is most often associated with so-called “dark fleet” tankers.

Broader context

The developing situation comes amid heightened tensions following a recent US operation in Caracas that resulted in the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Since that operation, multiple sanctioned oil tankers have reportedly switched to Russian registration.

In total, at least 19 vessels previously subject to US sanctions are believed to have changed their registry in recent weeks, underscoring a growing trend among ship operators seeking to evade enforcement.

The Marinera continues its journey under close observation as diplomatic and military tensions rise in the North Atlantic.