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A fleet of at least 11 oil tankers chartered by Chevron Corp. is heading to Venezuela, solidifying the U.S. oil company as the primary —and practically sole— authorized exporter of Venezuelan crude, following the ousting of Nicolás Maduro, recently captured by U.S. forces.
According to preliminary data collected by Bloomberg, the ships are scheduled to arrive in the coming days at the ports of José and Bajo Grande, located in the northwest of the country. This movement represents an increase in oil activity compared to December, when nine ships were reported operating under similar schemes.
The volume scheduled for January is approaching the highest levels recorded in recent months. In October, for instance, the arrival of 12 oil tankers was documented, the largest number since Chevron resumed expanded operations in the South American country under special license.
Chevron, based in Houston, operates in Venezuela under a license from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, allowing it to produce and export oil despite the sanctions imposed by Washington against the Venezuelan energy sector.
After the capture of Maduro, the company has become the only legal channel for exporting crude oil from Venezuela to international markets.
In a statement cited by Bloomberg and EFE, the company stated that it is focused on the safety of its personnel and the strict compliance with current regulations.
"Chevron remains focused on the safety and well-being of our employees, as well as the integrity of our assets. We continue to operate in full compliance with relevant laws and regulations," the company stated.
The deployment of this fleet occurs within a context of political and economic reconfiguration in Venezuela, where control over energy resources has become a key factor following Maduro's detention and the start of an uncertain transition process.
The increase in exports under Chevron's control marks a significant shift in the flow of Venezuelan oil, which has historically been managed by PDVSA, and reinforces the role of the American company as a central player in the new phase of the country's energy sector.
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