An explosion aboard the Eco Wizard tanker in Russia’s Ust-Luga port, near St. Petersburg, caused an ammonia leak and is under investigation, the Russian Transportation Ministry announced on July 6. The incident marks the sixth such blast at Russian ports this year, drawing attention to potential safety issues and security concerns.
The explosion, described as ‘of an unknown nature’ by officials, preceded a leak of liquid ammonia, with the ship’s 23-person crew evacuated and emergency services on high alert. Loading operations were stopped, and Russian Transport Minister Roman Starovoit held a meeting on the incident, with plans for a diving inspection of the vessel. No casualties have been reported, but the incident has raised questions about the safety of Russian ports and the potential involvement of the shadow fleet in these incidents.
The Eco Wizard, which arrived in Ust-Luga from Antwerp, Belgium on July 3, is suspected to be part of Russia’s shadow fleet, used to circumvent international sanctions. The vessel, built in 2024 to transport liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and flying the Marshall Islands’ flag, is linked to the sixth explosion at Russian ports this year. The incident follows a similar explosion on the shadow fleet tanker Vilamoura, which had recently visited Russian ports, highlighting a pattern of unexplained incidents involving vessels associated with the shadow fleet.
These explosions, occurring at Russian ports, have raised concerns about the safety and security of maritime operations in the region. The Russian Transportation Ministry’s statement indicates that the incident is under investigation, with officials working to eliminate the consequences and ensure the safety of the port. The continued occurrence of such explosions has prompted calls for increased scrutiny of the shadow fleet and its activities in international waters.
The Eco Wizard’s situation underscores the broader challenges facing Russia’s maritime infrastructure and the potential risks associated with the use of the shadow fleet. As investigations into these incidents continue, the implications for global trade and international sanctions remain under scrutiny. The safety of oil and gas transport through Russian ports continues to be a topic of concern for both domestic and international stakeholders.