US Captures "Dark Fleet" Tanker ⚔️

SHIPPING NEWS

US Intercepts “Dark Fleet” Tanker—Tensions Spike

US naval forces have intercepted and seized an oil tanker operating just off the coast of Venezuela, escalating tensions in an already fragile maritime corridor and raising new questions for global energy traders. The vessel—suspected of carrying sanctioned Venezuelan crude—was detained during a coordinated operation involving the US Navy and federal law-enforcement agencies. Officials say the tanker was attempting to obscure its origin through ship-to-ship transfers and AIS manipulation, techniques increasingly used in the shadow oil trade.

According to US authorities, the cargo is linked to entities under long-standing sanctions targeting Venezuela’s state-run oil sector. Washington argues the operation is part of a broader crackdown on illicit flows that undermine sanctions policy and distort global oil markets. Caracas has condemned the seizure, calling it an “act of aggression” and claiming the tanker was operating legally in international waters.

The incident adds another layer of uncertainty to global crude supply chains. Venezuela has been rebuilding export volumes through opaque networks involving intermediaries, aging tankers, and routes that skirt formal oversight. The seizure is expected to tighten the availability of unofficial barrels, potentially redirecting demand toward Middle Eastern and West African grades at a moment of heightened geopolitical volatility.

Maritime risk analysts warn that the action could trigger reciprocal moves or push more vessels into “dark fleet” operations—where ships disable tracking systems and conduct clandestine transfers to avoid detection. With insurance premiums already elevated for vessels operating near sanctioned jurisdictions, traders and shipowners are bracing for further disruptions. Watch Clip 

TOGETHER WITH AVALARA

Tired of sales tax headaches? Get clarity in minutes

Sales tax is complex, but evaluating software shouldn't be. Avalara’s self-guided tour of AvaTax shows how to calculate tax in real time, track changing nexus thresholds, and apply the correct rates across states and jurisdictions.

Used by more than 43,000 companies, AvaTax connects to platforms like NetSuite, QuickBooks, and Shopify, helping you automate compliance across more than 1,400 systems. You’ll see how to review flagged transactions by jurisdiction, create audit-ready reports, and improve accuracy without needing to meet with sales.

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Why People Risk Their Lives To Harvest A $2700 Bird Nest Made Of Saliva

Harvesters in the Philippines scale dangerous limestone cliffs to collect valuable swiftlet nests made of hardened saliva. Despite rising farmed alternatives, many continue the risky centuries-old tradition, gathering nests for prized bird’s-nest soup while protecting the species’ survival.

TRADE SNIPPETS

Trump administration announces $12 billion bridge payments for US farmers. The Trump administration will deliver $12 billion in one-time “farmer bridge” payments to row-crop producers hit by high costs and unfair trade practices, offering short-term relief ahead of broader farm bill changes.

Forwarders face high-stakes test as WiseTech shifts CargoWise costs onto shippers. WiseTech’s new CargoWise value packs push more platform costs onto shippers, forcing freight forwarders to rework pricing models, defend margins, and justify their role as logistics middlemen in increasingly digitalised supply chains.

Ukraine’s drone war on dark fleet tankers heightens Black Sea risk. Windward details how Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia-linked “shadow fleet” tankers and the disputed towing of Kairos have triggered diplomatic rows, raised war-risk premiums, and increased safety concerns for all traffic in the Black Sea.

DP World unifies marine services under one global brand. DP World has consolidated Unifeeder, P&O Ferrymasters and P&O Maritime Logistics into a single unified identity. The rebrand streamlines its shipping, multimodal and maritime services into one global offering

When AI Outperforms the S&P 500 by 28.5%

Did you catch these stocks?

Robinhood is up over 220% year to date.
Seagate is up 198.25% year to date.
Palantir is up 139.17% this year.

AltIndex’s AI model rated every one of these stocks as a “buy” before it took off.

The kicker? They use alternative data like reddit comments, congress trades, and hiring data.

We’ve teamed up with AltIndex to give our readers free access to their app for a limited time.

The next top performer is already taking shape. Will you be looking at the right data?

Get Alt Data Stock Picks

_{Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investing involves risk including possible loss of principal.}

CLIPS ON “X”

LETS MEME

Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe here for update