US sells seized tankers for scrap

The U.S. government sold two sanctioned oil tankers, the Era and the Lileo, to Dubai-based vessel recycling firm Global Marketing Systems (GMS) for scrap. The sale, reported by Lloyd's List, was authorized by a court order. The tankers, previously operating under multiple names, were seized in January 2026 by U.S. Coast Guard and military special forces. The Era was captured south of Iceland after a weeks-long pursuit, having previously evaded a U.S. blockade in the Caribbean aimed at stopping oil exports from Venezuela. The Lileo was seized in the Caribbean Sea and was subject to U.S. sanctions against Russia. The tankers will be demolished in scrap yards in India. GMS CEO Anil Sharma noted complexities regarding ownership. The U.S. seized up to 10 oil tankers following its military action in Venezuela.