- Advisory Follows Recent Strikes on Tankers as Maritime Risks Escalate in the Region
ATHENS: Greece has urged Greek-flagged commercial vessels operating in the Black Sea to strengthen onboard security measures following a series of recent attacks on tankers, according to a shipping ministry advisory reviewed by Reuters.
The warning comes amid heightened security concerns as hostilities between Russia and Ukraine increasingly threaten commercial shipping routes in the Black Sea and surrounding waters.
Growing Threat to Commercial Shipping
Greek-operated vessels make up one of the world’s largest tanker fleets and play a critical role in energy and commodity transportation across the Black Sea, which borders Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Türkiye, Russia, and Ukraine.
In recent weeks, Russia and Ukraine have intensified attacks on ships and maritime infrastructure in both the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov as the conflict continues to disrupt regional trade and logistics.
On Sunday, a Russian missile struck a vessel carrying corn near Ukraine’s southern port of Odesa, killing 10 people, according to Ukrainian authorities.
Greek-Operated Tankers Among Vessels Targeted
The advisory also highlighted attacks on two Greek-operated crude oil tankers during loading operations at the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), a major export route linking Kazakhstan’s Caspian Sea oil fields with Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk.
The vessels targeted were the ASIA, managed by Dynacom, and the NISSOS IOS, owned by Kyklades Maritime Corp. Both were reportedly attacked by sea drones on Sunday.
The CPC pipeline stretches approximately 1,510 kilometers (940 miles) and handles nearly 80 percent of Kazakhstan’s crude oil exports, making it one of the region’s most strategically important energy corridors.
The Greek shipping ministry also noted that a third Greek-operated vessel had been attacked in the area, according to the advisory issued on July 21.
Authorities Call for Enhanced Maritime Security
In light of the deteriorating security environment, the Greek shipping ministry urged all Greek-flagged vessels operating in the wider Black Sea region to adopt heightened security precautions.
“Taking into account the increased tension observed with attacks against commercial ships, it is recommended that all Greek ships in the wider region increase security measures,” the ministry said in its advisory.
The latest warning underscores growing concerns over the safety of commercial shipping as the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to pose significant risks to maritime navigation, global energy supplies, and international trade.
BY: The Times Union
