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U.S. Coast Guard Authenticates Keel for New Offshore Patrol Cutter

U.S. Coast Guard Authenticates Keel for New Offshore Patrol Cutter

The U.S. Coast Guard has authenticated the keel for the future Coast Guard Cutter Pickering during a ceremony in Mobile, Alabama. This traditional shipbuilding event marks the formal start of the vessel's construction. The ceremony was attended by Adm. Kevin Lunday, acting commandant of the Coast Guard, and Rep. Mike Ezell, among others. The cutter is named after a revenue cutter built in 1798, honoring Timothy Pickering, a historical figure who served in various governmental roles. The new vessel will be the third Coast Guard ship to carry the Pickering name. The acquisition of this cutter is part of a broader program to enhance the Coast Guard's capabilities in securing U.S. maritime borders and facilitating commerce.
AP News AP News
Retiring Navy admiral briefs Congress on boat strikes near Venezuela

Retiring Navy admiral briefs Congress on boat strikes near Venezuela

The U.S. Navy admiral who is retiring early from command of the campaign to destroy vessels allegedly carrying drugs near Venezuela is speaking to key lawmakers
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U.S. Forces Seize Sanctioned Oil Tanker Near Venezuela

U.S. Forces Seize Sanctioned Oil Tanker Near Venezuela

U.S. forces have seized a large oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, as announced by President Trump. The tanker, identified as the Skipper, was involved in transporting sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran. The operation was conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard, with support from other federal agencies. The tanker is part of a 'shadow fleet' that operates under U.S. sanctions. The seizure is part of a broader U.S. strategy to pressure the Venezuelan government, which includes a military buildup in the Caribbean and actions against suspected drug trafficking operations linked to Venezuela.
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U.S. Seizes Oil Tanker Off Venezuela Coast Amid Rising Tensions

U.S. Seizes Oil Tanker Off Venezuela Coast Amid Rising Tensions

President Trump announced that the United States has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, marking a significant escalation in the U.S.'s efforts to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. This action is part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration to increase military presence in the region, which has included strikes on alleged drug-smuggling operations. The seizure was conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard with support from the Navy, under U.S. law enforcement authority. Venezuela, possessing the world's largest proven oil reserves, has been selling oil at discounted rates to China due to U.S. sanctions. These transactions often involve complex networks of intermediaries and ghost tankers. Maduro, in a speech, did not directly address the seizure but emphasized Venezuela's readiness to defend against U.S. actions.
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U.S. Seizes Oil Tanker Off Venezuela Coast Amid Heightened Tensions

U.S. Seizes Oil Tanker Off Venezuela Coast Amid Heightened Tensions

U.S. forces seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, as announced by President Trump. The tanker, identified as the Skipper, is a Guyana-flagged Very Large Crude Carrier loaded with 1.1 million barrels of oil. The seizure was executed by the FBI, Homeland Security, and the U.S. Coast Guard, with support from the Pentagon. The tanker has been sanctioned by the U.S. for its involvement in an illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organizations. The seizure is part of a broader U.S. strategy to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, with President Trump indicating that Maduro's 'days are numbered.' The U.S. has increased military presence in the Caribbean and conducted strikes against alleged drug trafficking vessels.
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US Military Seizes Oil Tanker Near Venezuela in Sanctions Enforcement

US Military Seizes Oil Tanker Near Venezuela in Sanctions Enforcement

The U.S. military has seized an oil tanker near the coast of Venezuela, as shown in a video released by the Department of Justice. The operation, led by the U.S. Coast Guard and announced by President Trump, involved military helicopters and troops boarding the vessel. The tanker was reportedly used to transport oil from Venezuela and Iran, both under U.S. sanctions. According to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, the operation is part of efforts to enforce sanctions and prevent the sale of sanctioned oil.
Reuters Reuters
Over 30 sanctioned ships in Venezuela at risk after US tanker seizure

Over 30 sanctioned ships in Venezuela at risk after US tanker seizure

By Marianna Parraga and Jonathan Saul HOUSTON/LONDON, Dec 10 (Reuters) - More than 30 U.S.-sanctioned oil vessels doing business in Venezuela could face punishment by Washington after the Coast Guard seized a supertanker carrying Venezuelan crude for export, according to shipping data.
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U.S. Seizes Oil Tanker Off Venezuela Coast, President Trump Announces

U.S. Seizes Oil Tanker Off Venezuela Coast, President Trump Announces

The United States has seized a large oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, as announced by President Trump. The seizure is part of ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela. The tanker, reportedly involved in transporting sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran, was seized by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Coast Guard. President Trump indicated that the U.S. intends to keep the oil from the tanker. The action is part of a broader U.S. strategy to combat illicit oil shipping networks and support sanctions against Venezuela.
Reuters Reuters
US seizes oil tanker off coast of Venezuela, Trump says

US seizes oil tanker off coast of Venezuela, Trump says

By Idrees Ali, Phil Stewart and Steve Holland WASHINGTON, Dec 10 (Reuters) - The U.S. has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, President Donald Trump said on Wednesday, a move that raised oil prices and is likely to further inflame tensions between Washington and Caracas.
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Austal USA Commences Keel-Laying for First Offshore Patrol Cutter for U.S. Coast Guard

Austal USA Commences Keel-Laying for First Offshore Patrol Cutter for U.S. Coast Guard

Austal USA has initiated the keel-laying process for the USCGC Pickering, marking the first vessel under its Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) contract with the U.S. Coast Guard. This event signifies a major milestone in the program aimed at replacing the aging medium-endurance cutters. The contract allows for the construction of up to 11 vessels, with options for six hulls already executed. The USCGC Pickering is named after Colonel Timothy Pickering, a historical figure who served as Secretary of State under President George Washington. The keel authentication ceremony was attended by Coast Guard acting commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday, Rep. Mike Ezell, and other local leaders. Austal USA President Michelle Kruger highlighted the achievement as a testament to the dedication of their workforce and the strength of their collaboration with the Coast Guard and suppliers.
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Texas A Develops Smart Navigation System to Prevent Maritime Collisions

Texas A Develops Smart Navigation System to Prevent Maritime Collisions

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a smart navigation system called SMART-SEA, designed to prevent collisions between ships and stationary structures like offshore platforms. The system uses raw radar imaging data combined with advanced machine learning to provide real-time guidance to seafarers. SMART-SEA can detect stationary objects in all weather conditions and offers data delivery in visual, audible, or combined formats. The system was developed with input from Texas A&M Galveston faculty, industry experts, the U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Coast Guard. It aims to provide seafarers with optimal maneuvers to ensure vessel safety without autonomously controlling the vessel.
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Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker Stranded Off Bulgaria Due to Tugboat Abandonment

Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker Stranded Off Bulgaria Due to Tugboat Abandonment

A tanker identified as part of Russia's sanctioned shadow fleet is stranded off Bulgaria's Black Sea coast near Ahtopol. The vessel, named Kairos, was left adrift after a Turkish tugboat released it. Bulgarian authorities, including Border Police Chief Commissioner Anton Zlatanov, report that stormy seas are preventing officials from boarding the tanker. The crew of ten remains safe and in contact with authorities, equipped with necessary supplies. The tanker, which is empty, poses no immediate environmental threat. It is registered to a Chinese company but is linked to Russia's shadow fleet, used to evade Western sanctions on Russian oil exports. Bulgarian officials are using diplomatic channels to understand the circumstances of the vessel's entry into their waters.