US Treasury Sanctions Cuba-Linked Tankers and Shipping Entities

The US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has expanded its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List to include two Cuban-flagged tankers and four shipping-related entities. The move, announced on November 5, 2026, signals a tightening of the maritime blockade around Cuba’s energy logistics and the international networks that sustain them.

Targeted Vessels and Entities

The designations specifically target the 2002-built LPG tanker EMILIA (IMO 9242209) and the 2010-built chemical and products tanker GLORIA C (IMO 9540273). Both vessels fly the Cuban flag and are linked to established Cuban shipping interests, including Petroleos Maritimos del Caribe S.A. and Caroil Transport Marine Ltd.

In addition to the vessels, OFAC blacklisted four companies: First Aquatic Industrial Co Ltd, Internacional Maritima SA, Petroleos Maritimos del Caribe S.A., and Tentacool Commercial Inc. Notably, First Aquatic Industrial Co Ltd is linked to an individual identified as Chen Bo, suggesting a focus on third-party facilitators operating outside of Cuba.

Strategic and Operational Implications

The inclusion of these entities under Cyber-related and Transnational Criminal Organizations designations alongside Cuba Designations is a significant development for maritime compliance officers. This categorization implies that the sanctioned shipping network may be involved in complex financial or illicit activities that extend beyond simple cargo transport or sanctions evasion. For the broader market, this elevates the risk profile of any entity interacting with these specific management structures.

Operationally, the SDN listing effectively removes these vessels from the mainstream commercial market. US persons and entities are prohibited from providing services, insurance, or financing to these ships, and any assets held within US jurisdiction are blocked. The move likely aims to disrupt the specialized transport of liquefied petroleum gas and refined products, which are critical to Cuba’s domestic energy infrastructure.

The designation of Internacional Maritima SA and Petroleos Maritimos del Caribe S.A. further isolates the administrative backbone of the Cuban tanker fleet. By targeting the corporate entities and the specific vessels simultaneously, OFAC is attempting to prevent the corporate restructuring often used to bypass maritime sanctions. All designated vessels and companies are now subject to strict blocking measures, barring US persons from any dealings with them.

Source: US Treasury (OFAC)