The United States Coast Guard, in coordination with the U.S. Navy, has seized a Nigerian-owned supertanker, Skipper, over allegations involving crude oil theft, piracy, and other cross-border criminal activities.
The 20-year-old Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), identified by IMO Number 9304667, is reportedly managed by Nigeria-based Thomarose Global Ventures Ltd., while its registered ownership is listed under Triton Navigation Corp., a company registered in the Marshall Islands.
Sources revealed that the Skipper was intercepted while flying the Guyanese flag without authorization. The Guyana Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) confirmed that the vessel is not recorded on its national registry and had been improperly using the country’s flag.
U.S. security officials stated that the seizure was conducted under American law enforcement jurisdiction. President Donald Trump announced the action on December 10, 2025, noting that it forms part of ongoing efforts to disrupt international criminal networks.
Beyond allegations of oil theft, the vessel is reportedly being investigated for transporting a substantial shipment of illicit drugs. U.S. authorities suspect that the ship may be linked to networks associated with Iranian-backed groups and Islamist-affiliated money laundering operations.
A review of the Nigerian Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registry shows that Thomarose Global Ventures Ltd., the company managing the tanker, is currently listed as inactive.
