US intercepts Nigerian-owned supertanker ‘Skipper’ over alleged crude oil theft

The United States Coast Guard, in a joint operation with the U.S. Navy, has intercepted and seized the supertanker Skipper, IMO Number 9304667, over allegations of crude oil theft, piracy, and transnational criminal activities.
‎
The investigation into the 20-year-old Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), has ties to Nigeria through its managing company with a web of ownership and deceptive practices. The vessel is managed by Thomarose Global Ventures Ltd., a company based in Nigeria.
‎
A check with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) confirmed that Thomarose Global Ventures Ltd. is currently listed as inactive. The official registered owner of the vessel is listed as Triton Navigation Corp., domiciled in the Marshall Islands. This company was previously sanctioned by the US in 2022.
‎
At the time of interception, the tanker was unlawfully flying the flag of Guyana. The Guyanese Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) confirmed that the vessel is not on its national registry and was using the flag without authorization (Flag-hopping).
‎
‎Maritime tracking data revealed that the vessel, previously known by the name Adisa, was sanctioned by the U.S. in 2022 for its alleged involvement in transporting sanctioned oil, specifically for being part of the shadow fleet smuggling oil on behalf of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard (IRGC).
‎
The seizure, which was publicly announced by President Donald Trump on December 10, 2025, was executed under American law enforcement authority.
‎
According to reports the seizure took place off the coast of Venezuela, where the tanker was accused of transporting sanctioned oil.
‎
The vessel is accused of crude oil theft, piracy and transnational crimes, drug trafficking, and operating under the international criminal network tied to Iranian-linked groups and Islamist-backed money laundering schemes.
‎
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) spokesman stated that the agency had no official information on the incident at the time of reporting.
‎
‎