How U.S. Enforcement, Shadow Fleets, and Maritime Interdictions Are Redefining Risk at Sea
Sanctions used to feel distant, policy decisions debated in capital cities, filtered slowly into compliance manuals and insurance wordings. That distance is gone. Today, geopolitical enforcement is happening at sea, in real time: vessels boarded, cargoes seized, crews detained, and commercial trades interrupted overnight. What was once “theoretical exposure” has become operational reality for shipowners, insurers, charterers, and managers.
In this episode of the ShorelineHudson Maritime Risk Podcast, we move beyond headlines to examine what U.S. enforcement actions linked to Venezuelan oil movements really mean in practice and why they matter far beyond the Caribbean. From shadow fleets and ageing tonnage to sanctions enforcement, vessel interdictions, and escalation risk, this is a conversation about how global politics is now shaping day-to-day shipping decisions.
About the contributors
Joshua Hutchinson- Global Maritime Risk Management Leader
A former Royal Marine Commando, Joshua Hutchinson transitioned to the Ministry of Defence as a civilian in 2013 to oversee government technology and communications strategies. Since 2014, Joshua has been working in the maritime industry as a vessel owner and operator, and more recently, he has focused on maritime risk, helping to lead Ambrey’s risk strategy as the Managing Director of Risk Analytics and Loss Prevention. During that time, Joshua has been privileged to lead some of the world’s largest maritime evacuations and emergency response operations.
Maritime Intelligence Insights : https://ambrey.com/insights-hub/
Captain Thomas Brown- Managing Partner | Insurance
Captain Thomas Brown leads ShorelineHudson’s insurance business, working closely with shipowners, brokers, and insurers to design practical solutions for complex regulatory and operational risk. A former Master Mariner with a background in P&I insurance, Tom brings first-hand seagoing experience together with deep market knowledge to help clients navigate global risk exposure, compliance pressures, and enforcement risk with confidence.
Known for his pragmatic approach and product-led thinking, Tom has built and scaled specialist marine insurance platforms focused on emerging risks, clarity of cover, and operational relevance ensuring insurance works as a tool for operational continuity, not just balance-sheet or regulatory protection.
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