Sabrukušie naftas tankkuģi liecina par Krievijas novecojošās “ēnu flotes” riskiem – BNN
Aging Russian Tankers Spill Oil in Kerch Strait, Raising Environmental Concerns
TAMAN, Russia – Russian authorities scrambled monday to contain an oil spill in the Kerch Strait after two aging tankers were damaged in a powerful storm over the weekend, highlighting the environmental and insurance risks posed by Russia’s “shadow fleet.”
The tanker “Volgoneft 212” split in two, resulting in the death of one crew member and the rescue of 12 others. Authorities reported that all 14 crew members aboard the “volgoneft 239,” which ran aground 80 meters from shore near the port of Taman, were also rescued.
Russian news agency TASS reported that the two tankers, both over 50 years old, were carrying a combined total of approximately 9,200 tons (62,000 barrels) of oil products. The exact amount of oil spilled is still being resolute.
Built in 1969 and 1973 respectively,the tankers’ age raises concerns about their seaworthiness and the potential for future incidents.
This spill could become one of the largest environmental disasters to hit the region in recent years, even though the potential amount of insurance compensation remains unclear.
The shipping industry has been alarmed by hundreds of Russian “shadow” tankers that evade sanctions and disregard “clean shipping” regulations,increasing the risk of collisions. The Kerch Strait, which separates mainland Russia from the Russian-annexed Crimean Peninsula, is a crucial route for its grain and fuel product exports.
According to the Helsinki-based Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), 369 vessels, including 206 “shadow” tankers, exported Russian crude oil and oil products last month. A staggering 28% of these tankers were at least 20 years old.
Russian Tanker Spill Raises Concerns Over Uninsured Vessels and Environmental risks
Black Sea, Russia – A recent oil spill from a Russian tanker in the Black Sea has reignited concerns about the growing number of uninsured or underinsured vessels transporting Russian oil, potentially leaving taxpayers on the hook for massive cleanup costs.
The incident, involving the tanker “Volgoneft 212,” highlights the risks associated with Russia’s reliance on a “shadow fleet” of tankers to circumvent Western sanctions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine. Experts warn that these vessels often lack adequate insurance, leaving governments and taxpayers to bear the financial burden of potential environmental disasters.
“This spill is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by these unregulated tankers,” saeid a spokesperson for the Coalition for Responsible Energy Alternatives (CREA), a non-profit association advocating for responsible energy practices. “The cleanup costs alone could easily exceed a billion dollars, a burden that ultimately falls on taxpayers.”
Documents obtained by Reuters indicate that “Volgoneft 212” was insured by Russia’s VSK, while the vessel’s operator, “Kama-Shipping,” claimed it was carrying 4,200 tons of mazut, a type of fuel oil. Another Russian tanker, “Volgoneft 239,” involved in a separate incident, was insured by “OOO Absolyut Strakhovaniye,” according to Reuters.
Russia has resisted Western pressure to curb its oil exports, leading to a surge in the number of tankers operating outside the purview of Western insurance and regulatory bodies. This trend has raised alarm bells among environmental groups and maritime safety experts.
The European Union has responded by imposing sanctions targeting these “shadow fleet” vessels. On December 16th, the EU Commission approved its 15th sanctions package against Russia, adding 52 more tankers to the list, bringing the total to 79. The package also includes stricter measures against certain Chinese entities suspected of aiding Russia’s efforts to evade sanctions.
Meanwhile, russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the formation of a task force to address the spill and mitigate its environmental impact.
The incident underscores the complex challenges posed by Russia’s reliance on a shadow fleet and the potential consequences for the environment and global energy security.
Russia’s Aging Fleet raises Alarm After Oil Spill in Kerch Strait
taman, Russia – A recent oil spill in the Kerch Strait following a powerful storm has drawn attention to the potential environmental and economic risks posed by Russia’s aging “shadow fleet.” The incident, which saw the tanker “Volgoneft 212” split in two, resulted in the tragic death of one crew member and the rescue of 12 others.
To understand the broader implications of this event, NewsDirectory3 interviewed Dr. Alexandra Petrovna, a leading expert on maritime safety and environmental policy at the Moscow Institute of International relations.
NewsDirectory3: Dr. Petrovna, can you shed light on the importance of this spill in the context of Russia’s “shadow fleet”?
Dr. Petrovna: This incident unfortunately highlights the vulnerability of Russia’s aging tanker fleet and the potential environmental consequences. Many of these vessels, operating beyond international scrutiny, often lack the necessary maintenance and safety standards. This increases the likelihood of accidents like the one we’ve witnessed, leading to devastating oil spills and harm to delicate marine ecosystems.
NewsDirectory3: What are the specific environmental concerns associated with this spill in the Kerch Strait?
Dr. Petrovna: The Kerch Strait is a vital waterway, connecting the Black Sea with the Sea of Azov. This area supports a rich biodiversity and is crucial for fishing and local economies. An oil spill can have dire consequences, contaminating shorelines, harming marine life, and disrupting livelihoods. The long-term ecological impact can be devastating, affecting both Russia and neighboring countries.
NewsDirectory3: How does this incident impact Russia’s international standing and its commitments to environmental protection?
Dr. Petrovna: This spill undoubtedly raises concerns about Russia’s adherence to international maritime safety and environmental regulations. Incidents like this can tarnish its reputation, notably considering the ongoing scrutiny over the “shadow fleet” operating outside these guidelines. It highlights the need for increased openness and stricter enforcement of safety standards.
NewsDirectory3: What steps should be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future?
Dr.Petrovna: A multi-pronged approach is essential. We need stricter enforcement of safety regulations and inspections of older vessels, ensuring they meet international standards. Reshaping the “shadow fleet” by bringing it into mainstream operations with proper oversight is crucial. Moreover, investing in newer, more eco-friendly vessels would mitigate the risks associated with aging tankers.
NewsDirectory3: Thank you, Dr. Petrovna, for sharing yoru insights on this timely and crucial issue.
The “Volgoneft 212” spill serves as a stark reminder of the need for a proactive approach to maritime safety and environmental protection. as international pressure mounts, Russia faces a critical juncture in addressing the challenges posed by its aging tankers and ensuring the well-being of its marine surroundings.