Two Greek-managed crude oil tankers were reportedly struck in separate drone-related incidents near Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, raising fresh concerns over the safety of commercial shipping operating in the region. Fortunately, no injuries or pollution have been reported in either incident.
Despite ongoing international sanctions against Russia, crude oil loading operations continue at several export terminals. Some oil producers remain outside the scope of certain sanctions, allowing international tanker traffic to continue under existing regulations.
Nissos Sifnos Damaged While Loading at CPC Terminal
The first incident involved the Marshall Islands-flagged crude oil tanker Nissos Sifnos, managed by the Greek shipping company Dynacom Tankers Management.
Vessel particulars
- Built: 2020
- Length: 274 m
- Beam: 48 m
- Deadweight: 157,447 DWT
- Flag: Marshall Islands
- Owner/Manager: Dynacom Tankers Management (Greece)
According to preliminary reports, the vessel was alongside the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) offshore terminal near Novorossiysk when a drone struck the ship in the vicinity of the cargo manifold during loading operations.
The resulting fire was quickly extinguished through the combined efforts of the vessel’s crew and terminal emergency teams. Authorities reported no injuries, no oil spill, and no environmental pollution.
Loading operations were subsequently suspended while the vessel underwent structural and safety inspections.
The cargo was reported to originate from Tengizchevroil, a Kazakhstan-based oil venture in which US energy company Chevron is one of the major shareholders.
Marathi Also Reportedly Targeted
A second Dynacom-managed tanker, Marathi, was reportedly involved in a separate incident approximately 6 nautical miles (around 10 km) from the CPC terminal while proceeding to load cargo.
Vessel particulars
- Built: 2018
- Length: 274 m
- Beam: 48 m
- Deadweight: 149,992 DWT
- Flag: Malta
- Owner/Manager: Dynacom Tankers Management (Greece)
Initial information indicates that the vessel sustained limited damage. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium confirmed the incident but did not provide details regarding the extent of the damage.
No injuries among the crew or pollution have been reported. The vessel’s current operational status remains under assessment.
Security Risks Continue for Commercial Shipping
The latest incidents highlight the growing security risks facing merchant vessels operating in the Black Sea as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues along with Strait of Hormuz conflict.
Although commercial shipping remains active in the region, attacks involving drones and missiles continue to pose significant threats to civilian vessels and seafarers. In many cases, merchant crews find themselves operating in high-risk waters despite having no involvement in the ongoing conflict.
Dynacom Tankers Also Involved in Earlier Hormuz Strait Incidents
The Black Sea incidents come only weeks after Dynacom Tankers was involved in separate security incidents in the Middle East.
Two vessels managed by the Greek shipping company, Kavomaleas and Acheloos, were struck by projectiles while transiting near the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman.
According to Dynacom Tankers, all crew members on both vessels were safely accounted for. The master of Kavomaleas ordered the crew to evacuate after onboard fire suppression systems were activated, and Omani authorities later transferred the seafarers safely ashore. The Acheloos also sustained damage but proceeded to a safe anchorage for inspections. No pollution was reported in either incident.
