Russia's largest Black Sea port operating under restrictions after Ukraine attacks — Bloomberg
Illustrative photo: the Sheskharis oil terminal in Novorossiysk (Getty Images)
Oil exports from Russia’s largest Black Sea port, Novorossiysk, remain restricted after Ukrainian drone attacks. Two key berths haven't resumed operations yet, Bloomberg reports.
The affected facilities are berths No. 1 and No. 1A at the Sheskharis terminal, which usually service large Suezmax and Aframax tankers. Satellite imagery from Copernicus and shipping industry sources indicate that both remain idle.
Currently, loading is taking place only at berth No. 2, which can accommodate smaller Aframax vessels. This significantly limits the port’s oil export capacity.
The port of Novorossiysk is a key hub for Russian oil exports. According to Bloomberg, about 540,000 barrels per day were shipped from the port in the first quarter.
The latest drone attack led to a temporary halt in loading operations and damage to infrastructure. The Ukrainian side reported that at least five berths and pipelines supporting the terminal were hit.
At the same time, part of the infrastructure remains operational. In particular, berths No. 6 and No. 7, which handle petroleum products, are still active.
Drone strikes on Russia’s oil infrastructure
The current restrictions at the port are connected with recent drone attacks on Russian oil infrastructure.
On the night of April 5, drones struck Novorossiysk. Videos circulated online showing a fire at the Sheskharis terminal, as well as reports of explosions at a Transneft facility that services large tankers.
The attacks continued in the following days. According to Ukraine’s General Staff, on the night of April 7, an oil terminal at the port of Ust-Luga on the Baltic Sea was hit.
As a result of the strikes, Russia temporarily suspended oil shipments through the ports of Primorsk and Ust-Luga, where infrastructure was damaged, and fires broke out at the facilities.
