Venezuelan Crude Arrives in US on Chevron Tankers

Two tankers chartered by Chevron carrying Venezuelan crude oil arrived in US waters, marking the first of such imports since the US Treasury Department issued a new license last month. The restricted license allows Chevron to operate in Venezuela and export its oil after a three-month pause.

The tankers, Mediterranean Voyager and Canopus Voyager, loaded crude from Venezuela's Boscán and Hamaca fields earlier this month. This was done after negotiations with the state oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA), which is Chevron's partner in several joint ventures.

Chevron CEO Mike Wirth had previously stated that the flow of Venezuelan oil to the United States would resume soon in limited volumes. Prior to this, Chevron had not had access to Venezuelan crude since April, when PDVSA canceled several scheduled shipments due to payment issues related to sanctions.