Turkish Tanker Firm Ceases Russia-Related Operations Following Explosions Near Senegal

The Turkish shipping company Besiktas Shipping announced on Wednesday that it will suspend all operations related to Russia, coming just a week after one of its vessels experienced a series of explosions near the coast of Senegal.

“In light of recent developments, we have made the decision to stop all shipping activities involving Russian interests,” the company stated. “Effective immediately, we will refrain from any voyages linked to Russia.”

The Mersin, a tanker registered under the Panamanian flag and operated by Besiktas, was struck by four external explosions while anchored near Dakar last Thursday, according to the company. Although water entered the engine room, the crew managed to gain control of the situation, preventing injuries or environmental harm, as reported by Besiktas.

This suspension of operations related to Russia follows recent reports of three Russia-associated tankers being attacked in the Black Sea over the past few days.

A Ukrainian security source informed AFP that naval drones targeted two of these vessels on Friday, alleging they were “secretly transporting Russian oil.”

President Vladimir Putin denounced these attacks as “piracy” and cautioned that Moscow might retaliate by targeting Ukrainian ports and ships.

“I hope that the military and political leaders in Ukraine, along with their supporters, will reconsider whether this approach is worth pursuing,” Putin remarked to reporters on Thursday.

Besiktas indicated that it has adhered to Western sanctions and the oil price cap aimed at Russian exports but described the security situation as having “intensified significantly,” rendering the risks to its vessels and crews “intolerable.”

“Given that the safety of our personnel and assets is our top priority, we are suspending all such operations,” the company noted.

Although the Mersin is not listed under United Nations or European Union sanctions, two other vessels owned by Besiktas are subject to sanctions imposed by Ukraine.