New York, January 11, 2026, 20:39 EST — The market has closed.
- U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that additional Venezuela sanctions might be lifted “as soon as next week” to ease oil sales
- On Friday, U.S. forces seized a Venezuela-linked tanker, marking the fifth such operation in recent weeks
- International Seaways shares closed Friday a bit down, capping a turbulent week for tanker stocks
International Seaways (INSW) enters Monday’s session with Venezuela policy back in focus, after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated more sanctions might be lifted “as soon as next week” to ease oil sales. 1
The tanker operator’s stock closed Friday at $54.41, slipping roughly 0.2% from the previous session. During the day, shares fluctuated between $53.30 and $54.67. 2
Why it matters now: Washington’s mix of blockades and carveouts targeting Venezuelan crude is already shaking up physical oil prices and rerouting tanker traffic. These shifts can hit tanker stocks quickly, even if the companies involved stay under the radar.
Enforcement is drawing investor attention. The U.S. seized the Olina tanker in the Caribbean last Friday. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell noted on X that “at least seven” dark fleet vessels reversed course within the previous 24 hours. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Reuters the blockade is still fully enforced “anywhere in the world.” 3
Oil traders and shippers are hustling to secure vessels and set up ship-to-ship transfers—shifting crude offshore—to bypass port restrictions and sanctions, sources close to the talks told Reuters. Maersk Tankers reported its Venezuela operations are ongoing “with only minor delays,” as companies vie for loading slots and smaller vessels. 4
International Seaways operates as a tanker company, moving crude oil and refined products with fleets spanning crude tankers and product carriers, per a Reuters company profile. Its stock frequently moves on rate expectations and geopolitical developments, since cargo routes can be changed swiftly when policies shift. 5
At present, the market views the Venezuela situation primarily through the lens of supply constraints and logistical hurdles: seizures and stricter regulations curb tanker availability, whereas easing sanctions could boost volumes and relieve bottlenecks—though that hinges on where the oil is permitted and how it flows.
The risk lies in the equity rally fading once policy becomes clearer and more measured. Should Washington ease restrictions quicker than anticipated — or enforcement ease up — the “scarcity” story could unravel, sending tanker stocks tumbling with little notice.
Freight remains another key indicator to watch. Spot rates often shift on limited data, with early signs usually emerging in charter fixtures and day-rate discussions well before they hit earnings forecasts.
International Seaways hasn’t announced an official earnings date yet, though Nasdaq’s calendar points to a report roughly on Feb. 26. 6
As the week of Jan. 12 unfolds, traders will zero in on Treasury signals about sanctions tweaks, additional moves against Venezuelan crude shipments, and whether physical flows ease up or get tangled once more.
