Chemical tanker detained in Venezuela with Guyanese flag not registered here-MARAD

The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has advised that the chemical tanker, “Four Plus” bearing IMO No. 9203930, which was recently detained by Venezuelan authorities for unauthorised entry into that country’s waters was falsely flying the Guyana flag. The maritime department in press statement earlier this week disclosed that the vessel is not registered in Guyana and was not authorised to fly the Guyana flag or claim Guyanese nationality. MARAD said it wishes to remind stakeholders and the public that it operates a closed Ships’ Registry and does not offer a flag of convenience.

The agency reminded of recent media reports highlighting the sanctioning of five oil tankers linked to a Syrian conglomerate with ties to Iran and Venezuela by the United States Treasury Department. These vessels also bore false registration documents. MARAD had pointed out less than a month ago that since 2021 incidences of false Guyanese registration was coming to the fore, with states such as Panama also being targeted by the perpetrators.

“The issues of fraudulently registered vessels and the operation of a global shadow fleet remain on the radar of the global maritime community. The IMO at the 112th Session of its Legal Committee, scheduled for March of this year, is expected to further develop measures to prevent these unlawful practices,” MARAD said.

Venezuelan news had reported that the country’s military detained the tanker after it was found in Venezuelans waters without the necessary permits.  The vessel flew the Guyanese flag, but was manned by a crew of Chinese nationals.