Besiktas Shipping, a prominent Istanbul-based shipping company, has announced the suspension of all operations involving Russia due to heightened security threats following a recent attack on one of its tankers. In a statement released on Tuesday, the company emphasized its commitment to the safety of its personnel and assets, stating, “After a thorough assessment, we have concluded that the risks posed to our vessels and crew have become untenable.” Consequently, it has decided to cease all activities in this region.
The company operates the Panama-flagged oil tanker Mersin, which was subjected to four external explosions on November 27 while docked near Dakar, Senegal. Although the vessel incurred significant damage, particularly with water breaching the engine room, all crew members were reported safe. No group has yet taken responsibility for the attack.
Impacts on shipping operations
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Mersin has frequently visited Russian ports, including Novorossiysk and Taman, with shipping data indicating at least 13 such trips this year alone. Besiktas Shipping, which boasts a fleet of 29 tankers, is recognized as one of Turkey’s largest shipping entities and asserts full adherence to international sanctions.
According to reports from Senegal’s Port of Dakar, a “technical incident with water entering the engine room” was documented during the night of November 27-28. Local authorities dispatched naval vessels and tugboats to manage the situation and avert a potential fuel spill.
Escalating tensions in the Black Sea
This attack on the Mersin is part of a broader trend of incidents affecting maritime operations in the region. Ukraine confirmed its use of domestically produced Sea Baby maritime drones in strikes against two Russian shadow fleet tankers, the Kairos and Virat, on November 28-29, as they approached Novorossiysk. Reports indicate both vessels suffered critical damage.
Additionally, on December 2, the Russian-flagged Midvolga 2 was attacked while transporting sunflower oil from Russia to Georgia, approximately 80 nautical miles off Turkey’s coast. Fortunately, all 13 crew members on board were unharmed, and the tanker managed to proceed to Sinop on its own.
In response to these incidents, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has denied any involvement, with spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi labeling Russian claims as propaganda. He stated, “The alleged route from Russia to Georgia across Turkey’s exclusive economic zone makes no sense and suggests that Russia may have staged the whole thing.”
The recent attacks have resulted in rising shipping costs in the Black Sea as insurers adjust their rates in light of increasing war risks. With nearly four years of defending against Moscow’s extensive military actions, Ukraine views Russian shadow fleet oil tankers and refineries on Russian soil as legitimate military targets.