A major Russian oil terminal near Novorossiysk suspends operations after naval drones damaged a mooring point, affecting global oil supplies
NOVOROSSIYSK: A major Russian oil terminal near the southern port of Novorossiysk halted operations early Saturday following a naval drone attack.
The Caspian Pipeline Consortium, which owns the terminal, confirmed one of its three mooring points sustained significant damage in the assault.
CPC stated operations would resume only after the drone threat was eliminated.
The consortium did not attribute responsibility for the attack, while Ukraine made no immediate comment.
Ukraine regularly targets Russian energy infrastructure to diminish Moscow’s war funding capabilities.
The damaged terminal serves the CPC pipeline, which transports Kazakh oil and ranks among the world’s largest by volume.
This critical infrastructure handles approximately 1% of global oil supplies according to industry data.
CPC’s Telegram statement detailed the attack occurred at 4:06 am Moscow time against Mooring Point 2.
“Further operation of SMP-2 is not possible,” the consortium confirmed.
Loadings will proceed according to established protocols once security conditions permit.
The Caspian Pipeline represents Kazakhstan’s primary oil export route, carrying about 80% of its shipments.
US-based Caspian Policy Center identifies this corridor as vital for Central Asian energy exports. – AFP
