A significant crude oil hub on Russia’s Black Sea coast has suspended operations after an attack damaged a mooring at its terminal near Novorossiysk. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), which operates the facility, reported that the attack occurred at 4:06 a.m. Moscow time, using unmanned boats. The incident has resulted in significant damage to Single Mooring Point 2 (SMP-2), rendering further operation impossible.
The CPC stated that emergency protection systems were activated, shutting off the relevant pipelines and preventing an oil leak into the Black Sea. Fortunately, there were no injuries among staff. The consortium, whose shareholders include major energy companies from Russia, the United States, Kazakhstan, and Western European countries, described the incident as a targeted terrorist attack on infrastructure serving the interests of multiple states.
The attack is the latest in a series of incidents targeting internationally-owned energy infrastructure in Russia. In September, Ukrainian drones hit the port of Novorossiysk, damaging the CPC’s office, and in February, drones targeted the consortium-operated Kropotkinskaya oil pumping station. The CPC emphasized that no sanctions or restrictions have been imposed on the company, reflecting its recognized role in safeguarding the interests of its Western shareholders.
Kazakhstan has activated an emergency plan to reroute crude through alternative pipelines following the disruption. The CPC transported around 63 million tonnes of oil last year, with roughly 74% of it on behalf of foreign shippers. The Caspian Pipeline, which links oil fields in western Kazakhstan to a marine terminal in Novorossiysk, is a key route for exporting Kazakh crude.
The incident has significant implications for the global energy market, particularly given the CPC’s role in exporting oil from Kazakhstan. The disruption to oil supplies may have far-reaching consequences, and the situation is being closely monitored by industry experts and governments. As the investigation into the attack continues, the CPC and relevant authorities will work to restore operations and ensure the safe transportation of oil.
