Jesús Daniel Romero from Miami Strategic Intelligence Institute for FinGurú
Executive Summary
On June 18, 2025, the Bolivarian National Armed Force (FANB) intercepted a research vessel flying the Panamanian flag about 50 nautical miles northeast of the Orinoco Delta, within what Venezuela considers its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). According to Defense Minister, Major General Vladimir Padrino López, the vessel was “painted gray, with military nomenclature,” and the operation was carried out “on our side of the EEZ.” The FANB claims that the ship was conducting scientific research without authorization. However, the geographical point of interception is clearly in international waters, according to maritime law standards.
1. Key Statement from Minister Padrino López
During a meeting with military academy graduates, Venezuelan Defense Minister, Major General Vladimir Padrino López, publicly stated that the interception of the foreign vessel occurred on the “our side of the EEZ.” He argued that the ship was flying a Panamanian flag, had a gray-painted hull with military-like nomenclature, and was involved in research activities without prior notification or approval from the Venezuelan state. The FANB described the operation as a sovereign act in defense of strategic resources and national maritime order.
2. Precedent in January 2025
This is not an isolated incident. In early January 2025, a Venezuelan patrol vessel —the same naval unit that now towed the Panamanian vessel— approached the ExxonMobil FPSO Prosperity platform in the Stabroek block, within the recognized exclusive economic zone of Guyana.
This action was considered extremely provocative and triggered a strong diplomatic backlash. Then-Secretary of State of the United States, Marco Rubio, issued an urgent statement warning Nicolás Maduro’s regime that “any act of aggression against the legitimate energy interests of a democratic partner will be met with serious regional consequences.”
Both Georgetown and Washington condemned the maneuver as an “unacceptable violation of Guyanese sovereignty” and a threat to hemispheric energy security.
The fact that the same Venezuelan military vessel is involved in both events reinforces the perception that the FANB is executing a systematic doctrine of coercive naval projection, aimed at consolidating geopolitical claims and restricting foreign activity in the western Atlantic.
3. Details of the Most Recent Incident
Location: ~92 km northeast of the Orinoco Delta.
Flag: Panamanian.
Crew: Comprised of citizens from up to seven countries, according to local press.
Official Reason: Unauthorized scientific research in Venezuelan waters.
Military Action: Vessel towed to a Venezuelan port under the custody of the Bolivarian Navy.
4. Legality Under Maritime Law
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS, 1982) stipulates that:
- The EEZ does not equate to territorial waters: vessels of third states enjoy freedom of navigation (Art. 58).
- However, the coastal state can regulate exploration or scientific activities (Art. 56 and 246).
- Only if the vessel was exploiting resources or conducting studies without consent, can the intervention be legally justified (Art. 73).
5. Geopolitical Projection
- Territorial Dispute: This act is interpreted as part of Venezuela's effort to project control in the Atlantic in support of its claim over Esequibo.
- Deterrence Messages: Caracas seeks to demonstrate that it can implement naval measures beyond its territorial waters.
- International Reaction: Panama could issue a diplomatic note; Guyana and the U.S. could incorporate the incident into their arguments before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
6. Probable Scenarios
- Diplomatic Escalation: Panama could elevate a complaint to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), while Guyana and the U.S. would consolidate their case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
- Deterrent Military Response: Guyana could seek joint patrols with the U.S. or the United Kingdom to protect its offshore energy infrastructure.
- Targeted Sanctions: The U.S. could impose additional sanctions on Venezuelan naval commanders involved in maritime harassment operations.
- Institutional Channeling: Organizations such as CARICOM and the OAS could issue condemning resolutions, generating greater multilateral pressure against Caracas.
7. Relevant Jurisprudence
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has established relevant precedents on arbitrary detentions in EEZs. In the Arctic Sunrise case (Netherlands vs. Russia, 2013), the court concluded that Russia violated freedom of navigation by seizing a Dutch vessel in its EEZ without evidence of unlawful activity.
This precedent strengthens the argument that the FANB can only intercept vessels in the EEZ if there is clear evidence of unauthorized activities under Article 73 of UNCLOS. In the absence of such evidence, the Venezuelan action can be considered an infringement of international maritime law.
8. Executive Version for Diplomatic Audiences
On June 18, 2025, Venezuela intercepted a Panamanian vessel in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) under allegations of unauthorized scientific activity. However, the geographical location is clearly within international waters according to international law. This event is the second of its kind this year, following the January incident against an ExxonMobil platform.
The FANB, through the same naval vessel, seems to be executing a policy of preventive interdiction as a form of strategic projection. The reaction of actors like Panama, Guyana, and the U.S. will determine whether the case escalates to multilateral instances or becomes part of a broader regional pattern of maritime disputes.
This analysis recommends prioritizing attention to navigation rights, regional sovereignty, and the precedents established by the ICJ on arbitrary interceptions in exclusive economic zones.
Conclusion
The retention of the Panamanian vessel in international waters could represent an abuse of sovereignty if it is not proven to have been conducting unlawful activities. Venezuela insists it is protecting its sovereign rights over the EEZ, but the international community —especially Panama, Guyana, and the U.S.— may view the act as misuse of coercive force. This episode is part of a larger pattern of strategic naval projection from Caracas that could escalate tensions in the Caribbean and the southern Atlantic.
References (APA 7):
Reuters. (2025, March 1). Guyana says Venezuelan vessel entered oil block in Guyanese waters. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/guyana-says-venezuelan-vessel-entered-oil-block-guyanese-waters-2025-03-01/
Reuters. (2025, March 27). Attack on Guyana or Exxon would be “bad day” for Venezuela, Rubio warns. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/attack-guyana-or-exxon-would-be-bad-day-venezuela-rubio-warns-2025-03-27/
EFE. (2025, June 18). Venezuela reports interception of “very suspicious” vessel in exclusive economic zone. Swissinfo. https://www.swissinfo.ch/spa/venezuela-buque-zona-economica-exclusive/48502
Voice of America. (2025, June 18). Venezuelan Armed Forces intercept vessel in waters claimed as EEZ. https://www.voanoticias.com/a/venezuela-intercepta-buque-panameño/48677
The Maritime Executive. (2025, March 2). Venezuelan Navy Approaches Exxon FPSO Off Guyana. https://www.maritime-executive.com
AFP. (2025, March 1). US, Guyana denounce Venezuelan naval incursion. Voice of America. https://www.voanews.com
Europa Press. (2018, December 23). The Venezuelan Navy intercepts an exploration vessel of Exxon Mobil in disputed waters. https://www.europapress.es
United Nations. (1982). United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. https://www.un.org/depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/unclos_e.pdf
Jesús Daniel Romero is a Retired Commander of Naval Intelligence from the United States and has served distinguished diplomatic roles for his country in Latin America. He has also led inter-agency groups combating drug trafficking in Central America.
He is a Co-Founder and Senior Fellow of the Miami Strategic Intelligence Institute, author of the Amazon best seller "The Final Flight: Queen of Air" and is currently working on a trilogy of books about drug trafficking, narco-states, and transnational crime in Latin America.
A regular consulting expert on topics in his specialty for media outlets in the state of Florida, USA.
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