Tanker with Russian oil under Greek management attacked near Novorossiysk

The tanker "Skyros", managed by a Greek company and carrying a cargo of Russian origin, was attacked in the Black Sea after loading in the Novorossiysk area. The incident occurred on Sunday, August 16, near the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal.

The vessel is a "Suezmax" class and has a capacity of approximately 1 million barrels of oil. Although the consortium's terminal is primarily used for the export of Kazakh crude oil, the "Skyros" cargo this time was of Russian origin.

The Athens-based company that manages the tanker reported that there were no injuries to crew members during the attack. No oil spill in the Black Sea has been detected. The extent and nature of any material damage to the ship were not disclosed.

Risk for Kazakh oil exports

The incident caused concern in Greece, as the attack targeted a ship that had used the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal. This route is primarily used to transport oil from Kazakhstan, and a potential expansion of risks to shipping could hinder deliveries through the Black Sea.

U.S. officials previously indicated that Kyiv had agreed to refrain from attacking tankers that are not Russian but are transporting oil from Novorossiysk. The strike on the "Skyros" is viewed by Greek commentators as a possible signal of a change in this approach.

The attack is the first against a vessel docked at the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal, from where Kazakh oil is mainly exported. So far, there is no official confirmation of who is behind the attack.

Contacts between Athens and Kyiv

Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis spoke by phone with his Ukrainian counterpart. The Greek government's brief statement notes that Athens expressed support regarding the recent Russian missile attacks on Ukraine.

Political observers suggest that the conversation also included the topic of the safety of Greek ships in the Black Sea, as well as the need to prevent further incidents along oil transport routes.