Drone Strikes Target Greek-Managed Tankers in Black Sea
Four tankers operated by Greek companies have been caught up in the escalating drone conflict in the Black Sea. Ukrainian sources reported that these vessels were attacked near Novorossiysk on Tuesday, intensifying the ongoing struggle between Kyiv and Moscow over critical energy routes. Initial reports suggested significant damage, but the situation remains fluid as owners clarify the extent of the strikes.
Details of the Attacks
On Tuesday morning, Ukrainian sources indicated that the tankers Delta Harmony, Delta Supreme, Matilda, and Freud were targeted by drone strikes while positioned near the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal at Yuzhnaya Ozereyevka. This terminal is vital for exporting crude oil from Kazakhstan and Russia. Industry speculation initially claimed that all four vessels were impacted, but by Tuesday evening, owners began to contest these assertions, confirming only two attacks.
Kazakhstan’s energy ministry confirmed that Delta Harmony, managed by Delta Tankers, and Matilda, managed by Thenamaris and chartered by KazMunayGas, were struck while awaiting cargo. Delta Harmony was hit at 0512 GMT, resulting in a brief fire that was quickly extinguished. Fortunately, all crew members are safe, no pollution was reported, and the vessel was able to depart the area on its own. Meanwhile, Matilda sustained minor damage after being hit by two drones approximately 30 miles from the CPC moorings, with no injuries reported among the crew.
Delta Tankers later clarified that another vessel, Delta Supreme, was not affected, countering earlier rumors. TMS Tankers, which manages Freud, also denied any damage to its ship, despite it being mentioned in some reports as a target.
Wider Implications for Maritime Security
The drone strikes come just weeks after another Ukrainian drone attack on one of CPC’s main single-point moorings, which disrupted oil flows from Kazakhstan. While Ukraine has not officially commented on these latest incidents, it has characterized its actions against Russian energy infrastructure as necessary retaliation for ongoing attacks on its own energy systems. This evolving conflict has turned the Novorossiysk area and its offshore terminals into a significant battleground.
Houthis Again Stage Multiple Attacks on Greek-Owned Delta Tanker
One of the vessels, Delta Harmony, was scheduled to load cargo from Tengizchevroil for a Chevron-linked program, highlighting the importance of these operations to international oil markets. As the situation develops, Black Sea war risk premiums have reportedly surged nearly double as concerns grow over maritime safety in the region. Additionally, Russia has recently targeted several bulk carriers at Ukrainian ports, further complicating the maritime landscape.
As tensions continue to rise in the Black Sea, the fate of these tankers and the broader implications for energy exports remain uncertain, marking a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict.
