Two Iranian fuel tankers reach Venezuelan territory

Al-Monitor Staff

Oct 1, 2020

Venezuelan Oil Minister Tareck El Aissami (L) speaks next to Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino (R) after the Iranian oil tanker Fortune docked at El Palito refinery in Puerto Cabello, in the northern state of Carabobo, Venezuela, on May 25, 2020. The Fortune has apparently returned to Venezuelan waters, according to reports on Sept. 30, 2020. — AFP via Getty Images

Two Iranian fuel tankers have reportedly reached Venezuela with a third ship set to dock soon. Their arrival constitutes a success for the two nations sanctioned by the United States following an August seizure of such fuel.

The Iran-flagged ship Forest reached a Venezuelan port Tuesday. A second Iranian ship, the Fortune, entered Venezuelan waters Wednesday. The Forest brought 275,000 barrels of gasoline, The Associated Press reported.

A third Iranian ship, the Faxon, is expected to arrive this weekend; the three are collectively carrying around 815,000 barrels of fuel in total, the AP said.

Ship tracking data from the website Marine Traffic showed the Fortune just off Venezuela’s northern coast today. The website’s most recent signal from the Faxon showed it west of Africa last week.

Two Iranian fuel tankers reach Venezuelan territory

The Associated Press reported that two Iran-flagged ships reached Venezuela and a third is on its way without US interference. Together they are carrying 815,000 barrels of fuel.

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