Multiple Greek-Owned Tankers Hit by Drones While Waiting to Load Near Novorossiysk

Several Greek-owned oil tankers waiting to load Russian crude near the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal have been struck by drones in a series of incidents that underline growing risks for commercial shipping operating near key export infrastructure.

Kazakhstan’s Energy Ministry confirmed that two tankers were hit while waiting offshore near the CPC terminal close to Novorossiysk. The ministry identified the vessels as Matilda, operating under charter to state energy company KazMunayGas, and Delta Harmony, owned by Greece-based Delta Tankers.

Subsequent media reports indicated that at least two additional Greek-owned tankers were also struck: Delta Supreme and Freud, bringing the total number of affected vessels to four.

Minor Damage Reported, No Injuries

Initial assessments suggest that all four vessels sustained only limited damage, with no crew injuries reported. None of the tankers were carrying cargo at the time, as they were waiting in ballast for loading slots at the CPC terminal.

Operator Thenamaris, which manages the Matilda, told Reuters that the vessel was struck by two drones while positioned roughly 30 nautical miles offshore. The company said damage was confined to deck structures and described it as fully repairable.

Delta Tankers confirmed that both the Delta Harmony and Delta Supreme were affected. Reports said a small fire briefly broke out aboard the Delta Harmony but was quickly extinguished. Both vessels were also in ballast at the time of the incident.

The Freud, managed by TMS Tankers, is a 2018-built, Marshall Islands–flagged tanker of approximately 157,500 dwt. Reports indicated it was struck later in the sequence of attacks. Following the incidents, all four tankers were reported to be moving away from the terminal area.

Not Part of Shadow Fleet

Unlike several tankers previously damaged in Black Sea attacks, the vessels involved in these incidents are not sanctioned and not part of Russia’s shadow fleet. All are operated by established Greek shipping companies, though some have a history of frequent calls to Russian oil export terminals.

No group has formally claimed responsibility for the strikes. However, the CPC terminal has been repeatedly targeted in recent months as part of Ukraine’s campaign against Russia’s energy exports.

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