A drone attack on the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) marine terminal near Novorossiysk in the Black Sea triggered a fire on the Greek-interest crude oil tanker Nissos Sifnos in the early hours of Thursday 30 July 2026.
Maritime security specialists Marisks reported that the Marshall Islands-flagged Nissos Sifnos was struck at approximately 01:48 Moscow time while loading at Single Point Mooring (SPM) 3. The vessel was taking on Tengizchevroil crude — in which US energy major Chevron holds a stake — when the unmanned aerial vehicle ignited a blaze in the loading pipeline area.
The tanker’s crew quickly contained and extinguished the fire with support from three CPC vessels that responded immediately.
A second tanker, the Isle of Man-flagged Marathi, was also targeted by a drone roughly six nautical miles from the terminal as it approached to begin loading. The extent of any damage to Marathi has not yet been confirmed.
No injuries were reported among either crew and no oil spill or marine pollution occurred. The Nissos Sifnos remains afloat and stable. Technical teams and local authorities are assessing the damage.
Loading operations at the affected SPM 3 berth have been suspended temporarily for safety checks and inspections.
Key facts at a glance
- Location: CPC terminal, Black Sea, near Novorossiysk, Russia
- Vessels involved: Nissos Sifnos (Greek interests, Marshall Islands flag) and Marathi (Isle of Man flag)
- Time of strike: approx. 01:48 Moscow time, 30 July 2026
- Outcome: Fire extinguished, no casualties, no pollution, loading halted at SPM 3