Ukrainian drones targeted a tanker in Rostov-on-Don, causing casualties and a significant fire, as confirmed by the city’s mayor. Emergency teams are battling the blaze, while regional governor Yuri Slyusar reported injuries among the crew. Fortunately, an oil leak was averted, but damage to nearby structures was extensive.
On December 11, Ukrainian drones targeted the Filanovsky oil rig in the Caspian Sea, a significant escalation in disrupting Russian energy production. The strikes halted operations at over 20 wells, impacting Russia’s oil output. This offensive underscores Ukraine’s intensified campaign against Russian oil facilities to weaken Moscow’s military finances.
A Russian-flagged tanker, MIDVOLGA-2, was reportedly attacked by a drone off Turkey’s coast, with no injuries to its crew. Ukraine denied involvement, raising suspicions of a staged event by Russia. Turkish President Erdoğan condemned the attacks on commercial vessels, emphasizing the need for navigational safety in the Black Sea.
Recent drone sightings over Denmark, as reported by Der Spiegel, signal a troubling trend, with similar reports from Kiel, Germany. These incursions have raised maritime security alarms, linked to Russian activities in the Baltic Sea. Regional leaders emphasize the urgent need for enhanced drone defenses to protect critical infrastructure and public safety.
The Liberia-flagged tanker Delta Blue, weighing 158,000 tons, survived a rare multi-day attack by the Houthis using speed boats, RPGs, missiles, and drones. Despite no damage reported, analysts speculate on the motive behind the assault due to the vessel’s lack of connections to primary Houthi targets. Armed guards successfully defended the ship, emphasizing the importance of security measures at sea.
Heavy-lift cargo drones are transforming maintenance operations at an offshore wind farm, enhancing safety and efficiency. Ørsted’s innovative use of drones at the Borssele wind farm in the Dutch North Sea has significantly expedited tasks, showcasing the potential for advanced technologies in sustainable energy projects.
On June 23, 2024, a merchant ship was struck by a drone in the Red Sea, 65 nautical miles west of Hodeidah, Yemen, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UK MTO). The ship confirmed all crew members are safe. This incident follows a claim by Yemen-based Houthis of hitting a commercial vessel with a ballistic missile after visiting an Israeli port.
Details of the attack on the MSC Orion (158,000) were confirmed by maritime security forces, indicating a troubling extension of the Houthi’s drone range. The vessel, 300-400 nautical miles from Yemen, reported an explosion from a “Uncrewed Aerial System.” Experts believe Iran-made drones are being used, posing new challenges for shipping routes.
