Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2025-12-17 05:56Core Viewpoint - The recent seizure of a supertanker carrying approximately 1.85 million barrels of Venezuelan heavy crude oil by the U.S. military near Venezuela has implications for the oil shipping industry, particularly regarding compliance risks and potential shifts in oil supply sources [1]. Company Summary - COSCO Shipping Energy Transportation Co., Ltd. (中远海能) saw its stock price increase by over 4%, reaching HKD 9.76, with a trading volume of HKD 82.71 million [1]. Industry Summary - The U.S. plans to enhance sanctions and impose "action measures" on vessels in international waters, raising alerts about the risks associated with non-compliant oil tanker transport [1]. - According to Clarkson Research, Venezuelan crude oil exports account for approximately 2% of global oil trade, and the global oil tanker market is expected to remain resilient through 2026 [1]. - The demand for global oil trade is projected to grow moderately by 2026, while the supply side is expected to see a significant loosening of the oil tanker fleet, which has experienced low growth this year [1]. - If Venezuelan oil shipments are disrupted, buyers may increase their procurement from compliant oil suppliers in the Middle East, leading to a rise in demand for compliant tankers and potentially driving up tanker freight rates in the short term [1].