Nautilus Federation unions urge US Congress to mandate US-flagged shipping for Venezuelan oil

Nautilus Federation affiliates in the United States have joined a broader coalition of American trade unions in urging Congress to require that any crude oil imported from Venezuela is carried exclusively on US-flagged vessels crewed by American seafarers.  

In a letter sent on 8 January 2026 to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots (MM&P) and the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA) argued that access to commercial cargoes is essential to sustaining the US maritime sector. 

‘A cornerstone of an effective national maritime policy is gaining access to private, commercial cargoes that create steady demand for US-flag vessels, American mariners, and the shipbuilding industrial base,’ the unions wrote. They further stated that aligning US foreign and energy policy with ‘Ship American’ principles would help strengthen the domestic maritime workforce, while reducing reliance on foreign-controlled shipping. They also warned that it would counter the growth of shadow fleet tanker operations that transport sanctioned oil. 

According to the unions, existing restrictions on Venezuelan oil have redirected global trade towards foreign-controlled shipping networks, including shadow fleet tankers operating outside US labour, safety and regulatory standards. 

Mandating US-flag carriage for Venezuelan crude entering the country would provide a stable source of commercial cargo for US operators, improve sanctions compliance, and lessen dependence on foreign vessels linked to the interests of geopolitical rivals. 

The policy could also benefit US refiners equipped to process heavy crude, by expanding supply options and contributing to greater stability in domestic energy markets. 

The letter was signed by MM&P, MEBA and two other US maritime unions, which together represent the majority of seafarers in the US-flagged fleet.