Greece mandates heightened security for its shipping fleet after drone strikes on Greek-operated tankers in the Black Sea, impacting trade routes.
Greece has instructed its shipping fleet to adopt maximum security measures when sailing to Russian Black Sea ports following drone attacks on two Greek-operated tankers, as reported by Reuters.
Drones struck two oil tankers, including one chartered by US oil major Chevron, as they approached the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal on Russia's Black Sea coast.
Greece's shipping ministry has advised vessels that are docked, anchored, or preparing to dock at the terminal to take the highest possible precautions, including limiting crew movement outside the ship.
Greek-operated ships form one of the world's largest tanker fleets and are vital for Black Sea trade, which involves Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Turkey, Russia, and Ukraine.
War insurance costs for ships sailing to the Black Sea have surged this week, reflecting the heightened risks associated with these routes.
One of the targeted tankers, Matilda, managed by Greece's Thenamaris, was hit by two drones. A company official stated that no injuries or serious damage occurred, but crews have been instructed to increase vigilance and avoid unnecessary exposure.
The ministry referred to earlier advisories dating back to April 2022, which recommended protective measures for vessels calling at Russian Black Sea ports, including Novorossiysk, Taman, Tuapse, and Kavkaz.
