Greek oil tanker damaged in suspected Black Sea missile or drone strike

A Greek-flagged oil tanker was damaged in a suspected drone attack in the Black Sea while approaching the Russian port of Novorossiysk, according to authorities.

The Maran Homer, which U.S. energy giant Chevron charters, sustained material damage early Saturday; however, all 24 crew members were unharmed, and the vessel’s seaworthiness was not compromised.

Greek officials reported that the tanker was travelling from Thessaloniki in northern Greece to Novorossiysk to pick up Kazakh oil before continuing to Istanbul.

The attack appears to have involved a missile or drone strike, but details about the exact weapon used remain unclear.

Greek Maritime Affairs Minister Vassilis Kikilias condemned the strike, stating that targeting vessels flying the Greek flag is “unacceptable and extremely dangerous.”

He confirmed that Athens would file a “strong complaint” with the responsible party, although he initially did not specify who that might be. Later, he indicated that Ukraine may be responsible for frequent attacks in the Black Sea, amid heightened tensions in the region due to overlapping conflicts.

Kikilias suggested that the attack could be linked to recent U.S. sanctions relief for Russian oil shipments, a move intended to stabilise global oil markets amidst the volatility caused by the ongoing conflict in Iran.

This incident underscores the growing vulnerability of commercial shipping in the Black Sea, particularly for Greek-owned or Greek-flagged vessels, which constitute a significant portion of international trade.

Greek shipping interests have also been affected by the war in the Persian Gulf, resulting in dozens of stranded vessels amid heightened tensions.

Industry analysts warn that repeated attacks on civilian tankers could disrupt global oil supply chains, raise insurance costs, and add further strain to already volatile energy markets. This incident occurs against a backdrop of rising global energy prices, worsened by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and other tensions in the Middle East.

As Greece addresses both the diplomatic and commercial ramifications, ensuring the safety of Greek sailors and the protection of vital shipping routes remain top priorities for Athens.