Venezuelan authorities have captured the “Four Plus” tanker for entering the country without permission and flying a false flag.
On January 13, Guyana’s Department of Public Information reported that Venezuelan officials detained the tanker FOUR PLUS. It was accused of entering Venezuelan waters without authorization and was displaying the Guyanese flag without permission. The vessel is being held for not having the required permits.
After the seizure, Guyana’s Maritime Administration Department confirmed that the tanker was not registered in the country and was using a false flag.
The FOUR PLUS is a chemical tanker measuring 183.2 meters in length, 32.2 meters in beam, with a gross tonnage of 28,981.
This incident of false flag operations is not unique; previously, the US Treasury Department sanctioned five oil tankers linked to Syria, Iran, and Venezuela for false registrations. The broader issue will be addressed, and actions will be proposed during the 112th session of the International Maritime Organization’s Legal Committee set for March this year.
