Venezuela & Caribbean: Licensed Trade (Feb 2026 Update)

Navigating the Post-Transition Compliance Landscape and Infrastructure Recovery.

The February 2026 maritime environment in Venezuela is defined by two opposing forces: a strict U.S.-enforced oil quarantine against non-compliant "Shadow Fleet" tankers, and a series of expansive General Licenses (GLs) designed to restore authorized trade and humanitarian aid.

1. The 2026 Regulatory Framework (The New "Green List")

Since the transition in January, OFAC has pivoted toward enabling "established U.S. entities" while maintaining a naval blockade on illicit trade.

Primary 2026 General Licenses

  • General License 46 (Issued Jan 29, 2026): The most comprehensive measure yet. It authorizes certain activities involving Venezuelan-origin oil, specifically for "established U.S. entities" to market and deliver oil to global allies.

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  • General License 47 (Issued Feb 3, 2026): Authorizes the sale and transportation of U.S.-origin diluents (agents used to thin heavy crude) to Venezuela. This is critical for restarting PDVSA's stalled extraction infrastructure.

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  • General License 30 & 5U Extensions: These protect port operations (Bolipuertos) and bond-related payments, ensuring that routine port dues do not trigger sanctions violations for authorized vessels.

Compliance Alert: GL 47 carries strict reporting requirements. Any entity relying on this license must submit detailed transaction reports to both the U.S. State Department and the Department of Energy within 10 days of the first transaction.

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2. Port Intelligence & Security Status (Feb 2026)

While national ports have officially reverted to ISPS Security Level 1, the operational reality varies significantly by location.

Technical Port Profiles

PortStatusOperational NotesPuerto CabelloNormalHandling bulk, containerized, and breakbulk cargo. Operating without significant delays for non-sanctioned vessels.La GuairaMilitarizedUnder direct oversight; access is restricted, but essential commercial operations continue.Jose TerminalHeightened SecuritySubject to the U.S. "Oil Quarantine." High military presence. Limited to GL 46/47 authorized lifting.Maracaibo / Bajo GrandeNormalLocal terminal operations are stable for domestic and authorized regional trade.

3. "Southern Spear" & Naval Interdiction

The U.S. military operation, dubbed "Operation Southern Spear" by some analysts, continues to affect the Caribbean basin.

  • The "Shadow Fleet" Blockade: U.S. naval assets are actively interdicting tankers suspected of moving sanctioned oil outside of the GL 46/47 framework. Several seizures have been reported in international waters in early 2026.

  • High-Seas Documentation Checks: Expect significant delays if your vessel has a history of AIS gaps or "Dark STS" transfers in the Caribbean. U.S. authorities are performing thorough vetting of cargo provenance.

  • Insurance Recalibration: Underwriters have updated the "Listed Areas" to include the Caribbean enforcement zones. Bespoke Sanctions Compliance Endorsements are now standard requirements for P&I coverage.

4. Strategic Recommendations for 2026 Fixtures

  1. Direct Agency Confirmation: Always verify berth status with local correspondents (e.g., Globalpandi) as the political situation remains "fragile."

  2. Audit the "Network": OFAC fines in late 2024/2025 demonstrated that the carrier network is as dangerous as the cargo. Perform full UBO vetting on all Venezuelan sub-agents.

  3. AIS Integrity: Ensure your vessel maintains a 100% "clean" AIS track for at least 24 months. Any history of visiting "dark" STS hotspots in the Caribbean will result in a denial of entry or naval interdiction.

Request a Venezuela Readiness Audit

Operating under the new 2026 transition government? Our team provides General License Validation and Naval Liaison Services to ensure your voyage meets the new U.S. "Oil Quarantine" standards.

Contact the Caribbean Operations Desk:

Email: info@sanctionedshipping.com

Subject: 2026 Venezuela Feasibility – [Vessel Name] – [GL 46/47 Check]