Unidentified Drones Strike Greek-Managed Oil Tankers in Black Sea
Three Greek-managed oil tankers were struck by unidentified drones in the Black Sea on January 13, 2026. The attack exacerbates the ongoing crisis caused by a 35% collapse in Kazakhstan's oil production due to export constraints at the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal.
Insights:
Three Greek-managed oil tankers, including the Delta Harmony, Delta Supreme, and Matilda, were struck by unidentified drones in the Black Sea on January 13, 2026. The tankers were en route to the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal near Novorossyisk to load Kazakh crude, further complicating an already fragile energy supply chain. This incident occurs as Kazakhstan's oil production has plummeted by 35% in the first two weeks of January due to export constraints at the CPC terminal, which handles approximately 80% of Kazakh crude destined for international markets and over 2% of global crude supply.
The Matilda, managed by Thenamaris, was hit by two drones while waiting in ballast condition 30 miles off the CPC moorings. It sustained minor damage to its deck structures, and a fire broke out but was quickly extinguished. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the vessel is seaworthy and departing the area. The Delta Harmony, managed by Delta Tankers, was expected to load crude from Tengizchevroil, a unit of Chevron Corporation , while Matilda was to load from Karachaganak, operated by KazMunayGas.
