Venezuela’s Assembly Passes Maritime Security Law for Promulgation

The government says the expedited statute counters tanker seizures by asserting jurisdiction over trade-linked vessels beyond national waters.

Overview

The National Assembly unanimously approved the bill in a second reading and sent it to the executive for publication under Article 213 of the constitution.
Parliamentary leaders say the law safeguards freedom of navigation and commerce against piracy, blockades and other unlawful international actions.
Deputy Óscar Ronderos said the measure extends Venezuelan jurisdiction to commercial operators tied to the country’s trade, including activities in international waters.
President Nicolás Maduro said the bill advanced under a regulatory urgency mechanism that enables swift passage with support from two-thirds of lawmakers.
Officials linked the push to recent U.S. interceptions of Venezuelan tankers in the Caribbean, with one delivered to Texas and others detained near Curaçao and Antigua and Barbuda.