The oil tanker Altura, attacked near the Bosphorus, will transfer its cargo to sister ship Velora via a planned STS operation.
The roadmap for the crude oil tanker Altura, which was attacked in a double assault approximately 14 miles from the Istanbul Strait, is becoming clearer. The damaged tanker is being towed to the Turkisheli Anchorage Area with the assistance of tugboats, while a ship-to-ship (STS) operation is planned for the discharge of the cargo from the vessel.
According to the information obtained, the crude oil carried by Altura will be transferred to the sister ship Velora via the STS operation.
It is reported that Velora is currently located in the Suez Canal and will be directed to the area for the operation. The transfer is expected to be carried out in a controlled manner, taking into account safety and environmental risks.
Initial assessments following the attack indicate that the health status of all crew members on Altura is good, and the personnel are still aboard the ship.
According to the plan, a crew change will be conducted after the completion of the STS operation.
Depending on the extent of the damage, two scenarios are emerging for Altura:
Repairing the vessel at a shipyard.
Sending it for recycling (scrap) after economic and technical evaluation.
Experts state that the level of damage, particularly in the engine room, will determine the fate of the vessel.
The Altura incident has brought security risks related to commercial maritime transportation in the Black Sea back into focus. According to experts, the implementation of the STS plan following the attack aims to ensure operational continuity and minimize environmental risks.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
