A blast near Libya has damaged an oil tanker, the Vilamoura, which was previously linked to Russian oil terminals, according to its operator TMS Tankers. The explosion caused flooding in the vessel’s engine room, though the cause remains under investigation. The tanker, which is now being towed to Greece for further assessment, has prompted concerns over potential targeting of vessels associated with Russian energy infrastructure.
The incident comes amid a series of unexplained blasts on oil tankers that had recently visited Russian ports. Shipowners are now conducting inspections of their vessels for mines using divers and underwater drones, raising concerns about the security of maritime routes. The Vilamoura had docked at Russian terminals in early April and May, loading Kazakh crude rather than Russian oil. These visits have raised suspicions, particularly given the ongoing tensions in the region.
Maritime risk consultancy Vanguard Tech reported that four other vessels have been damaged by explosions since the beginning of the year, all of which had recently docked at Russian ports. This trend has drawn attention to the potential for deliberate targeting of ships involved in the transportation of oil from regions like Kazakhstan, which is a key supplier to Russia.
The U.S. and Ukraine have been implicated in attacks on Russian energy assets, including the February drone strike on the CPC pipeline, a critical route for Kazakh oil exports. As a result, the incident with the Vilamoura may be part of a broader strategy to disrupt Russian energy infrastructure and reduce its influence in global markets.
The ongoing situation has prompted discussions about the security of maritime transport and the need for enhanced measures to protect commercial vessels. The explosion near Libya could have far-reaching implications, particularly in terms of oil supply chains and geopolitical tensions, as it raises questions about the extent of targeted attacks on energy infrastructure.