On July 19, the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) confirmed that two oil tankers, the ASIA and NISSOS IOS, were attacked at its terminal along Russia’s Black Sea coast, leading to a halt in oil loading operations. During the loading, the ASIA tanker caught fire, but the fire was extinguished quickly. Fortunately, there were no injuries, fatalities, or oil spill reported, and the tankers remained afloat.
Kazakhstan’s energy ministry stated that the Single Point Mooring (SPM) facilities involved in the operations were undamaged. The CPC announced that all crude oil loading activities would be paused as they assess the incident’s aftermath comprehensively. While CPC did not assign blame for the attack, tensions have escalated in recent weeks, with an increase in hostilities targeting shipping in the Black and Azov seas by both Russia and Ukraine.
In response to the attacks, Kazakhstan’s foreign ministry expressed condemnation and is currently evaluating the damage incurred. They also underscored their rights under international law, emphasizing a potential pursuit of compensation for the damages. The CPC pipeline is critical, spanning 940 miles and responsible for approximately 80% of Kazakhstan’s oil exports to global markets through Russia’s Novorossiysk port.
