CPC reports drone attack on two more tankers near its terminal in Black Sea

Lead

The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) has reported another drone attack on two tankers near its terminal outside Novorossiysk, which resulted in a renewed suspension of oil shipments, the company's press service said. The attack occurred on July 30 at 1:48 a.m. Moscow time, when the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Nissos Sifnos, carrying a cargo from Tengizchevroil (a Chevron company) and undergoing oil loading at the CPC's single point mooring SPM-3, was hit by a drone. A fire broke out in the area of the oil intake manifolds on the cargo deck and was extinguished by the tanker's crew with the assistance of three CPC support vessels, according to the company.

There were no injuries or casualties among CPC personnel or contractor staff, and no oil spill occurred, the consortium reported. The tanker remains afloat, and damage assessment is underway. Oil loading has currently been halted, while pipeline facilities are operating normally.

Coverage Comparison

All the reporting on this story comes from TASS — English, which carried statements from the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, Kazakhstan's Energy Ministry, and the Kazakhstan Association of Oil, Gas, and Energy Sector Organizations (Kazenergy).

The accounts consistently describe drone attacks on tankers near the CPC marine terminal and the resulting suspension of oil loading. The CPC's own reports characterize the attacks as "terrorist attacks," while the Kazakh ministry and industry association focus on the impact on Kazakhstan's oil exports and the need for international coordination. One report notes that the attack on the Nissos Sifnos occurred as loading was concluding, while another mentions that the tanker Marathi, scheduled to begin loading, was also targeted.

Some details vary across the reports. For instance, the July 20 attack on the tanker Nelsa involved a fire that was extinguished, with the international crew of 22 evacuated by CPC tugs, except for the captain and chief officer. The Kazakh Energy Ministry confirmed the attack on the Nelsa, stating that no injuries and no oil spill occurred. The ministry also said it is in constant contact with the CPC.

Key Claims

• The Caspian Pipeline Consortium reported that on July 30, the tanker Nissos Sifnos was attacked by a UAV near the CPC infrastructure. Oil loading was halted beforehand due to the threat of a UAV attack, according to Kazakhstan's Energy Ministry, which cited CPC data.
• Another tanker, the Marathi, that was scheduled to begin loading oil, was also targeted in the attack, with the vessel located 6-7 nautical miles from the CPC terminal, the ministry reported.
• The CPC reported that no injuries or casualties occurred among CPC personnel or contractor staff, and no oil spill occurred.
• The Kazakh Energy Ministry reported that the Nissos Sifnos was attacked on July 30 near the cargo manifold as loading operations at SPM-3 were concluding.
• The CPC reported that on July 20, the tanker Nelsa, loading at SPM-1, was attacked, causing a fire that was extinguished within a few hours; the vessel remained afloat, and the international crew of 22 was evacuated except for the captain and chief officer.
• The CPC reported that on July 19, during loading operations, two seagoing tankers, the Asia and the Nissos Ios, were subjected to a targeted terrorist attack using unmanned aerial vehicles.
• Kazenergy said that repeated or prolonged disruptions could lead to surging insurance and freight costs, stricter requirements from shipowners, and potentially to revisions of Kazakhstan's export and production plans.
• The Kazakh Foreign Ministry condemned the strikes on tankers carrying CPC oil as "an unacceptable infringement on the economic interests of the Republic of Kazakhstan," and did not rule out that Astana might demand compensation for damages, according to reports.

Perspectives

Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC)

The CPC emphasized the operational details of the attacks, including the drudges, fires, and damage assessment, and highlighted the "operational resilience" through the rapid resumption of operations. It reported that oil loading was halted as a precaution and that pipeline facilities continued to operate normally.

Kazakhstan's Energy Ministry

The ministry confirmed the attacks, provided updates on the Nelsa and Nissos Sifnos incidents, and noted that it is in constant contact with the CPC. It also reported that oil loading had been halted beforehand due to the threat of a UAV attack.

Kazakhstan Association of Oil, Gas, and Energy Sector Organizations (Kazenergy)

The association warned that continued drone attacks could prompt adjustments to Kazakhstan's oil export and production targets, citing risks of rising insurance and freight costs. It called for urgent international coordination to protect civilian shipping and cross-border energy infrastructure.

Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry

The ministry condemned the strikes as an unacceptable infringement on Kazakhstan's economic interests and left open the possibility of seeking compensation for damages.