The NATO Shipping Centre has issued an advisory to mariners following recent drone strikes on unladen tankers in the Black Sea on November 28 and 29. These attacks have raised significant concerns regarding the safety of navigation, the lives of those at sea, and the regional marine environment. The advisory specifically mentions the assaults on Russian oil tankers, KAIROS and VIRAT, advising vessel operators to follow the Best Management Practices for guidance on security threats and mitigation strategies. Mariners are encouraged to promptly report any suspicious activities to the NATO Shipping Centre.
The attacks have had a pronounced impact on maritime insurance, with war insurance premiums for ships operating in the Black Sea experiencing substantial increases. Underwriters have shifted to daily reviews of policies, reflecting the escalating dangers in the region due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Current insurance costs for certain port calls have surged to 1%, the highest level since late 2023, albeit still lower than the peaks seen during intense Houthi attacks in the Red Sea in 2024.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan described the recent attacks as alarming, emphasizing their potential threat to regional safety and illustrating the widening reach of the Ukraine conflict. Ukraine has claimed responsibility for the drone strikes targeting two empty tankers en route to a Russian port. In retaliation, Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to cut Ukraine’s maritime access, asserting that Moscow will escalate its strikes against Ukrainian facilities and vessels, while also warning actions against tankers from nations supporting Ukraine.
The Black Sea is vital for the transportation of grain, oil, and related products, bordered by Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Turkey, Russia, and Ukraine. In light of the escalating tensions, Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria are considering enhanced security measures in the area.
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