WILLEMSTAD – The oil tanker Dhalkut has been sailing around Curaçao since November 2024 without permission to dock at Bullenbaai. The vessel, which carries crude oil and petroleum products, has been waiting for months to obtain the necessary permits. The delay appears to be linked to U.S. sanctions on Venezuela, which have made trade with the country increasingly difficult. 

Sanctions Impacting Curaçao’s Oil Industry 

Experts warn that the sanctions are having a growing impact on Curaçao. Recently, the U.S. government ordered Global Oil to cease operations in Caracas. The company has an agreement with Curaçao's 2Bays refinery, raising concerns about the future of oil trade and processing on the island. 

Lack of Government Response and Uncertainty Over Docking Decision 

It remains unclear why the operator of Curaçao’s oil storage facilities has not allowed the Dhalkut to dock. So far, the Curaçaoan government has not taken a position on the matter, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the vessel’s fate. 

Potential Solutions Not Yet Applied in Curaçao 

According to shipping industry sources, it is common practice to transfer oil from one vessel to another, even in sanctioned regions. In Europe, for example, such methods have been used to facilitate oil trade with Russia despite restrictions. However, this solution has not yet been applied in Curaçao. 

Crucial OFAC Permit Still Pending 

A key factor in resolving the issue is obtaining a permit from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). This authorization is essential for conducting legal trade with Venezuela without violating U.S. sanctions. Until then, the Dhalkut remains stranded, reflecting the broader challenges facing Curaçao’s oil industry amid geopolitical tensions.