Greek-Run Oil Tanker Skiros Attacked in Black Sea After Loading Russian-Origin Cargo
A Greek-run oil tanker was attacked in the Black Sea after loading Russian-origin crude at the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal near Novorossiysk, marking the latest disruption to petroleum flows linked to the war between Russia and Ukraine.
The Suezmax-class Skiros, which can carry about 1 million barrels of oil, was attacked on Sunday close to the CPC terminal, according to people familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified because the information is not public.
The CPC primarily handles Kazakh crude exports, but the cargo involved in the incident was of Russian origin, the sources said. The attack is the first strike on a vessel calling at the CPC terminal after an almost three-week pause in attacks.
The CPC terminal is a critical route for Kazakh crude exports. CPC cargoes have recently accounted for almost 2% of global oil supplies, while repeated drone strikes last month disrupted loading operations and forced Kazakh oil fields to reduce production.
The Caspian Pipeline Consortium declined to comment on its operations or matters related to oil shipments from producers. A spokesman for Ukraine’s General Staff said he had “no data to comment on the issue.”
Earlier this month, Ukraine agreed to refrain from targeting CPC infrastructure and non-Russian vessels bound for the sea terminal, provided those ships are not otherwise subject to Ukrainian sanctions and are not carrying Russian cargo, according to a US official. Russian-origin crude typically accounts for 5% to 10% of CPC exports.
The latest tanker attack has raised fresh concerns about the continued operation of the CPC system, whose ownership includes major oil companies Chevron Corp. and Exxon Mobil, Russia’s state pipeline company and Kazakhstan’s state oil and gas company.
At the end of last month, following multiple attacks on tankers, CPC considered the option of halting operations to avoid environmental and safety risks. The consortium ultimately decided to continue operations.
The Athens-based company listed on Equasis as the manager of the Skiros said there were no injuries or pollution as a result of the incident and that the vessel’s owners were aware of what happened. The company declined to comment further.
Why the Skiros Attack Matters for Black Sea Oil Shipping
The attack highlights the continuing risks facing vessels operating near a strategically important oil export terminal in the Black Sea. The CPC route is particularly significant for Kazakhstan’s crude exports, while the presence of Russian-origin cargoes adds another layer of sensitivity amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The incident also comes after recent attacks disrupted CPC loading operations and affected production at Kazakh oil fields. For the maritime sector, the latest development underscores how security incidents around major energy infrastructure can directly affect tanker movements and international petroleum supply chains.
The fact that the Skiros was carrying Russian-origin oil is also significant in light of the reported Ukrainian commitment not to target non-Russian vessels and CPC infrastructure under specified conditions. This makes the origin of cargo an important factor in assessing the risks surrounding tanker operations in the region.
With CPC involving major international and state-owned energy companies, further disruption could remain a concern for crude exporters, tanker operators and the wider oil shipping market.
Read: Odesa Seaport Damaged in Russian Overnight Strike as Black Sea Shipping Faces Rising Security Risks
