Drone Attacks Tanker at CPC Marine Terminal

© изображение сгенерировано ИИ

The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPTC) has reported a second drone attack on its offshore terminal, resulting in damage to the oil tanker NELSA.

According to the company, the incident occurred on July 20 during the loading of the vessel at Single Buoy Mooring Unit 1 (SBM-1). The drone struck the stern of the starboard side between the accommodation block and the engine room. Following the impact, a fire broke out on deck and inside the ship, which was extinguished by the crew and CPTC emergency services.

Of the 24 crew members, 22 were evacuated. The captain and chief officer remained on board. The company noted that the tanker retained its buoyancy.

After the incident, oil loading operations were suspended. According to CPTC, there was no oil spill or cargo fire.

This is the second attack on the offshore terminal in recent days, the consortium said. Following a previous incident during the transshipment of oil from Kazakhstan and the United States, loading resumed on the evening of July 19. CPTC recalled that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan had condemned the attacks, calling them unacceptable.

The company also stated that the attack posed serious ecological and technological risks and endangered the lives of the international crew.