Concern mounts as the US sets its sights on tankers

The US Department of the Treasury's newfound interest in shipping is worrying tanker owners — and in some cases they are running scared.

Industry sources tell TradeWinds that the federal government appears to be paying closer attention to the sector than its predecessors, particularly as it mounts pressure on Venezuela and Iran.

The government appears to be using AIS data to track where ships are going and Venezuela-related sanctions have led to some classes of tanker fleeing the region.