Three Suezmax tankers, two of them Greek-owned, were attacked by drones in two separate incidents at the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal off the Russian Black Sea coast on Friday and Sunday.
On Sunday, the tankers Asia (163,000 dwt, built 2022) and Nissos Ios (157,000 dwt, built 2021) were struck while loading oil, according to the CPC.
The Asia, owned by Dynacom Tankers Management of Greek shipowner George Prokopiou, caught fire after the attack. The blaze was later extinguished. The Nissos Ios belongs to Kyklades Maritime Corporation, owned by the Alafouzos family.
No casualties or oil spills were reported. Oil loading operations at the terminal were suspended following the incidents for safety assessments.
According to the Kazakh Energy Ministry, both vessels were loading Kazakh-produced crude oil at the time of the attacks and had multinational crews. Loading has been temporarily halted pending a full assessment of the damage and its impact on operations. Further updates on the resumption of exports will be provided once the evaluation is complete.
Friday Attack
On Friday, the CPC reported that another Suezmax tanker was hit and damaged by two drones during loading. Sources identified the vessel as the Nordic Zenith (159,000 dwt, built 2011), owned by Nordic American Tankers and chartered by ExxonMobil. A fire broke out on board but was later extinguished. Port tugs evacuated 13 crew members, while nine remained on the vessel.
Background
The CPC pipeline is Kazakhstan’s primary export route for crude oil, transporting the majority of the country’s production from West Kazakhstan to the Russian port of Novorossiysk on the Black Sea for onward shipment to international markets.
The Kazakh Energy Ministry strongly condemned the attacks on civilian energy infrastructure, stating: “Any use of force against international civilian energy infrastructure poses risks to global energy security, disrupts the smooth operation of international energy trade, and causes significant economic damage to all project participants.”
Related Developments
This incident adds to growing concerns over maritime security in key energy corridors. It follows recent tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where the Dynacom tanker Kavomaleas (also owned by George Prokopiou) was immobilized after intervention by the Iranian Navy. Intertanko has previously issued warnings about vessels remaining potential targets in high-risk areas.