Drone strike hits Russia's shadow fleet: Two tankers damaged in Primorsk port
Photo: Two tankers belonging to Russia's shadow fleet have been hit in the port of Primorsk (vesselfinder.com)
In the Russian port of Primorsk in the Baltic Sea, two shadow fleet tankers were struck as a result of a drone attack by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). Those tankers are Kusto and Cai Yun, reports Reuters.
Sources told the outlet that the damaged tankers Kusto and Cai Yun, both Aframax type, are registered in the Seychelles. These vessels belong to Russia’s shadow fleet and sail under the flag of the Seychelles.
The tanker Kusto is capable of transporting about 700,000 barrels.
As a result of the SBU attack, oil loading at the port of Primorsk was suspended, and it remains unknown whether it has been resumed.
This port has a throughput capacity of about 1 million barrels of crude oil per day, making it a key export hub for Russian oil and the largest port in western Russia.
Attack on the port of Primorsk
In recent days, SBU drones attacked Russia’s key export hub, the port of Primorsk in the Baltic Sea.
Through this port, Russia bypasses international sanctions and sells oil on foreign markets. About 60 million tons of oil pass through the port annually, bringing Russia approximately $15 billion.
As a result of the successful SBU drone attack, fires broke out on one of the vessels in the port and at a pumping station, and oil shipments were suspended. Russia’s estimated daily budget losses from the export halt may amount to up to $41 million.
