Drone Strikes Target Greek-Managed Tankers in the Black Sea
Four Greek-managed tankers have become embroiled in the ongoing drone conflict in the Black Sea. Ukrainian sources reported that the vessels were targeted early Tuesday near Novorossiysk, as tensions between Kyiv and Moscow escalate over energy infrastructure. The tankers involved are the *Delta Harmony*, *Delta Supreme*, *Matilda*, and *Freud*, all of which are managed by Greek companies. The attacks occurred near the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal at Yuzhnaya Ozereyevka, a critical loading point for both Kazakh and Russian crude oil.
Initial reports suggested that all four tankers had sustained damage from drone strikes. However, by Tuesday evening, the owners of the vessels began to refute these claims. As of now, two strikes have been officially confirmed. Kazakhstan’s energy ministry stated that the *Delta Harmony*, managed by Delta Tankers, and the *Matilda*, managed by Thenamaris and chartered by a KazMunayGas unit, were indeed attacked while waiting to load Kazakh crude oil. The *Delta Harmony* was struck at 0512 GMT, resulting in a brief fire on deck, which was quickly extinguished. Fortunately, all crew members are safe, and no pollution has been reported. The vessel has since departed the area under its own power.
Details of the Attacks and Industry Response
The *Matilda* was also targeted, suffering minor, repairable damage from two drone strikes while approximately 30 miles from the CPC’s moorings. Maritime security sources confirmed a short-lived fire on board, but no injuries were reported. Delta Tankers has clarified that the *Delta Supreme* was not affected by the attacks, countering earlier market speculation. Similarly, TMS Tankers, the manager of the *Freud*, denied any damage to their vessel, despite its mention in Ukrainian reports as a target.
These drone strikes come just six 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. Ukraine has not officially commented on the recent tanker strikes, but it has framed its actions against Russian oil export infrastructure as retaliation for ongoing attacks on its energy grid. The Novorossiysk area and its offshore terminals have become a focal point in this conflict.
The *Delta Harmony* was reportedly scheduled to load cargo from Tengizchevroil for a Chevron-linked program. All four vessels are part of the mainstream Greek tanker fleet, rather than the less transparent shadow fleet. Following the attacks, Black Sea war risk premiums nearly doubled, reflecting heightened concerns in the maritime industry. Additionally, Russia has been targeting various bulk carriers operating in Ukrainian ports in recent days, further intensifying the conflict’s impact on maritime operations in the region.
