The United States Coast Guard cutter intercepted the tanker Ocean Mariner (IMO: 9328340) this past Friday in the Caribbean waters, roughly 16 miles south of Les Cayes, Haiti, according to maritime tracking data from VesselFinder.
This vessel, designated as a Chemical/Oil Products Tanker, sails under the flag of Liberia. It measures 127 meters in length, 20 meters in beam, and carries a deadweight of 12,983 tons. It was built in 2007.
Available information indicates that the tanker departed from Barranquilla, Colombia, on February 5 at 19:28 UTC. Its declared destination was listed as "Caribbean for order," with an estimated arrival on February 15 at 01:00.
As of the last report on February 13, 09:32 UTC, it was traveling at 6.2 knots, heading 107° with a draft of 8.3 meters.
Unusual Turn: Course Change in the Windward Passage
Track data reveals the ship initially moved northeast after leaving Colombia and entered the maritime corridor between Cuba and Haiti, known as the Windward Passage. It then made a course change in this area before continuing south of Haiti, where it was intercepted.
Operating in the same corridor was the cutter CG STONE (MMSI: 338848000), a law enforcement vessel of the U.S. Coast Guard, which had departed from Ponce, Puerto Rico, on February 10. Its presence coincided with that of the tanker in the region.
As of now, no official statement has been issued detailing the nature of the inspection.
Ocean Mariner's Recent Cargo Delivery to Cuba
The Ocean Mariner was the last vessel to deliver oil to Cuba. It arrived in Havana on January 9 with 86,000 barrels of fuel from Mexico, amid the island's severe energy crisis, which has resulted in daily power outages lasting up to 20 hours.
Its recent stops include ports in Havana and Matanzas (Cuba), as well as Pajaritos and Coatzacoalcos (Mexico), in addition to Barranquilla, Colombia.
Cuba increasingly relies on fuel imports following the cessation of Venezuelan supplies. This event occurs in a context of heightened U.S. pressure on energy routes to the island.
Official information regarding the status of the ship and the nature of the ongoing operation is expected in the coming hours.
Questions Surrounding the Interception of Ocean Mariner
Why was the Ocean Mariner intercepted by the U.S. Coast Guard?
The specific reasons for the interception have not been officially disclosed, but it is related to its suspicious course change in the Windward Passage and its connection to fuel deliveries to Cuba.
What is the significance of the Windward Passage for maritime routes?
The Windward Passage is a critical maritime corridor between Cuba and Haiti, often used for shipping routes that connect the Caribbean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean.
How does Cuba's fuel dependency impact its current situation?
Cuba's reliance on imported fuel has become more pronounced after the halt of Venezuelan supplies, exacerbating the island's energy crisis and leading to extended power outages.