Drone Strikes Target Greek Tankers in Black Sea
In a troubling escalation of the ongoing conflict in the Black Sea, four Greek-managed tankers were reportedly targeted by drone strikes near Novorossiysk on Tuesday. Ukrainian sources claim that these attacks are part of a broader strategy by Kyiv to disrupt Russian energy exports, as tensions between the two nations continue to rise. While initial reports suggested all four vessels were hit, subsequent confirmations indicate that only two suffered damage.
Details of the Attacks
The tankers involved in the incident are the Delta Harmony, Delta Supreme, Matilda, and Freud, all managed by Greek companies. Ukrainian sources reported that these vessels were targeted near the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal off Yuzhnaya Ozereyevka, a crucial loading point for Kazakhstan’s crude oil exports. The Delta Harmony was struck by a projectile at 0512 GMT, resulting in a brief fire on deck that was quickly extinguished. Fortunately, all crew members are safe, and the ship has since departed the area under its own power.
Meanwhile, the Matilda was also hit by two drones while positioned approximately 30 miles from the CPC moorings. This vessel sustained minor damage to its deck structures, and there were no reported injuries among the crew. Maritime security sources confirmed a short-lived fire on board the Matilda as well. In contrast, both Delta Supreme and Freud were reported to be unharmed, with their management denying any damage despite earlier speculation.
Impact on Maritime Operations
The drone strikes come just weeks after a Ukrainian drone attack on one of CPC’s main single-point moorings, which disrupted the flow of crude oil from Kazakhstan to the Black Sea. This latest incident underscores the increasing volatility in the region, with Kyiv framing its actions as necessary retaliation against Russian assaults on its energy infrastructure. The strategic significance of Novorossiysk and its offshore terminals has heightened, as they are now central to the ongoing maritime conflict.
Market reactions have been swift, with Black Sea war risk premiums nearly doubling following the attacks. The situation remains fluid, as Russia has also targeted several bulk carriers operating in Ukrainian ports in recent days. As the conflict continues to evolve, the safety of maritime operations in the Black Sea remains a critical concern for shipping companies and international stakeholders alike.
