Greek shipping faced a scary moment in July when the US government briefly slapped sanctions on four tankers for helping export Venezuelan oil.

The move by the US did not just shut down a lucrative trade for those who had the stomach to engage in it. For a few days, the decision sparked fears of a more general blacklisting that could throw entire companies in jeopardy, including firms of the highest pedigree such as Dynacom Tankers Management and Thenamaris.