Dubai‑based ship recycling company Global Maritime Services (GMS) has applied for a US government license to buy and dismantle oil tankers seized by US authorities because of their links to Venezuelan oil trading. The vessels were taken in recent weeks by the US military and Coast Guard as part of Washington’s campaign against Venezuela’s oil trade and are considered part of a risky “shadow fleet” of ageing tankers that often lack proper safety certification.
GMS says the ships pose environmental hazards if left at sea but cannot be legally scrapped without US approval due to sanctions, so it is seeking expedited licensing and has held discussions with the State Department, according to The Maritine Executive. The scrap value of such vessels can reach tens of millions of dollars, and the US has filed court warrants to seize more tankers tied to Venezuelan oil exports. They write:
Dubai-based ship recycler Global Maritime Services (GMS) has applied for a U.S. licence to buy and dismantle vessels seized by American authorities for their links to Venezuelan oil trading, according to the company.
This follows the recent seizure of seven vessels in international waters by the U.S. military and Coast Guard.
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