Naval Drone Strike Forces Shutdown of Key Russian Oil Terminal Operations

A significant Russian oil terminal located near Novorossiysk, a southern port, suspended its operations early Saturday due to a naval drone attack that caused damage to one of its three mooring points.

The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), which operates the terminal, indicated that it would restart activities once the threat from drones has been neutralized.

The identity of those behind the attack has not been disclosed. Ukraine, known for frequently targeting Russian energy infrastructures to undermine the nation’s war resources, has yet to make a statement on the matter.

The CPC pipeline, extending from Kazakhstan to the terminal, serves as a crucial route for Kazakh oil and ranks among the largest globally, accounting for about 1% of worldwide supply.

In a statement posted on Telegram, the CPC reported, “A targeted attack by unmanned vessels occurred at 4:06 a.m. Moscow time, resulting in significant damage to Single Mooring Point 2 (SMP-2).”

They further explained, “SMP-2 can no longer be operated. Shipments at the terminal will proceed according to established protocols once the drone threat has been resolved.”

According to the U.S.-based Caspian Policy Center, the CPC pipeline transports approximately 80% of Kazakhstan’s oil exports.