HOUSTON – At least three oil tankers chartered by Chevron (CVX.N) were recently spotted navigating toward Aruba on their way to transport Venezuelan crude oil to the United States. These ships are part of the resumed export operations following a new license granted by the U.S. government to Chevron, allowing the oil giant to engage in limited trade with Venezuela’s state-owned PDVSA.
According to shipping data, the tankers were heading north from Venezuela’s coast on August 7, 2025, as part of Chevron’s efforts to reactivate crude exports to the U.S. These shipments mark a significant development as Venezuela, under sanctions, had previously faced restrictions on oil exports. The new license issued by the U.S. Treasury Department at the end of July 2025 allows Chevron to carry out operations within Venezuela’s oil sector, specifically for transactions with PDVSA, provided no payments are made directly to the Venezuelan government.
Chevron’s CEO, Mike Wirth, confirmed that limited exports from Venezuela were expected to resume by August 2025, with a steady increase anticipated later this year. Discussions with PDVSA are currently underway to finalize the first shipment loads. Chevron is also working to reactivate a supply agreement with Valero Energy (VLO.N) based in the U.S., aiming to increase oil deliveries in the coming months.
Tankers on Route to U.S.
The Mediterranean Voyager and Canopus Voyager tankers, both chartered by Chevron, were observed passing near Aruba, situated north of Venezuela’s western coastline. A third tanker, the Sea Jaguar, was coming from Europe, with Aruba also listed as its initial destination port.
This move comes after the U.S. Treasury’s green light for Chevron’s operations, aimed at easing some of the sanctions imposed on Venezuela. However, the deal includes restrictions, particularly prohibiting any direct financial transactions with the Venezuelan government.
U.S.-Venezuela Oil Trade Resumes
This development marks a critical juncture in the ongoing relationship between the U.S. and Venezuela. The recent authorization aligns with the U.S.’s strategic shift in managing energy imports while providing a significant boost to Venezuela’s oil exportation efforts.
Neither Chevron nor PDVSA has responded to requests for further comments on the situation, but this new phase of cooperation represents a cautious but vital step toward normalization of energy trade in the region.
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