Russia’s Black Sea port of Taman sustained significant damage from a Ukrainian drone attack, injuring two and affecting oil storage and terminal facilities. Over 100 personnel were deployed to manage fires. This incident marks a renewed focus on Russian energy infrastructure as tensions escalate amid ongoing military actions.
The increasing need for resilient positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) systems is highlighted by GNSS interference in Eastern Europe, especially in maritime zones. The RIPTIDE Phase 2 project, supported by ESA, aims to combat jamming and spoofing threats, enhancing navigation safety in the Black Sea and Lower Danube Basin.
The Caspian Pipeline Consortium has halted oil exports from its Black Sea terminal due to severe weather and full reservoirs. This disruption follows a Ukrainian drone attack that limited loading operations, causing Kazakhstan’s oil production to decline. December exports are expected to be the lowest in 14 months, averaging 1.082 million barrels daily.
A drone strike struck Russia’s Taman port on December 22, causing significant damage to infrastructure and vessels. Local officials reported impacts on two tankers and piers, alongside damage to a pipeline and storage tanks. Emergency services are battling fires, as Ukraine intensifies assaults on Russian maritime assets amid rising tensions.
The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez, urged restraint amidst the escalating Black Sea conflict. He stressed the need to protect innocent seafarers and merchant vessels from being targeted, warning that rising tensions pose significant risks not only to human lives but also to the marine environment.
Ukraine has intensified its maritime offensive, launching a third sea drone attack on the Comoros-flagged Dashan in the Black Sea. This strike targets Russia’s oil trade amid rising tensions, while the Ukrainian Security Service confirmed two previous attacks on other tankers, indicating a coordinated strategy amid ongoing sanctions.
The NATO Shipping Centre has issued an advisory for mariners following recent drone strikes on unladen tankers in the Black Sea. These incidents have raised serious safety concerns, prompting operators to adopt Best Management Practices. Insurers have reacted with increased war premiums, reflecting the heightened risks in this critical maritime region.
On December 3, the Romanian military destroyed a Sea Baby drone in the Black Sea, posing a navigation risk. This incident underscores growing concerns over shipping safety amid the Ukraine conflict. The drone was located 36 nautical miles east of Constanta, reflecting the rising tensions affecting regional maritime operations.
Shipping insurance rates for vessels in the Black Sea have surged over threefold due to recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian-linked ships. Previously ranging from 0.25% to 0.3% of a vessel’s value, rates have escalated to 1% for certain ports. The heightened risks have prompted underwriters to revise their assessment significantly.
Greece plays a vital role in the Interreg Black Sea Basin Programme, leveraging its maritime expertise for regional cooperation. Through projects like MARMAPS and Response, led by AUTH, the country focuses on marine spatial planning and pollution management, fostering collaboration with neighboring nations to enhance environmental protection in the Black Sea.
Shell has recently signed a contract with Bulgaria’s government, granting the multinational significant rights to explore for oil and gas in the Black Sea. Bulgaria’s Energy Minister expressed optimism about the contract, emphasizing the importance of uncovering the Black Sea’s potential for future gas supplies. Shell aims to leverage its technology and expertise.
Bulgaria’s proposal for a multinational maritime coordination center in the western Black Sea aims to enhance shipping safety. Prime Minister Zhelyazkov presented the initiative in Paris, emphasizing the country’s commitment to maritime security. By hosting the center, Bulgaria seeks to lead efforts in promoting cooperation among Black Sea countries to address security challenges effectively.
The United Nations stresses the need for an agreement on freedom of navigation in the Black Sea to safeguard civilian vessels and port infrastructure, vital for global food security. Despite recent agreements between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia, tensions remain high. Diplomatic efforts are crucial to ensure safe navigation in the region.
Russia has declared a state of emergency in Crimea after an oil spill in the Black Sea last month. Workers are clearing contaminated sand and soil, with over 86,000 metric tons removed. The spill involved heavy fuel oil, with cleanup efforts extending to the Kuban region. Environmental groups report deaths of marine animals.
Oil spillage along the Russian Black Sea coast has caused significant environmental damage. Two tankers were damaged in a storm, with one splitting in half and the other running aground. Concerns about a potential environmental disaster have been raised as fuel oil leakage into the sea has been confirmed.
