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A series of mystical limpet mine attacks on oil tankers have shaken up the world of transportation and prompted speculation that the explosion is part of a state-backed sabotage campaign.
Five ships have been hit by intentional explosions this year, and the latest incident flooded the engine compartment of Greek-owned tanker The Vilamoura last week.
All vessels called at Russian ports within weeks of the attack urged some security experts to suggest that Ukraine was taking on the explosion. Although Kyiv has not commented on the incident, its security forces have a record of secret actions in Russia’s interests.
One security advisor in the sector said that “every finger” initially pointed to Ukraine. However, the difference in nature of the attack on Vilamoura – attacked by the hull rather than on its side – has produced other theories about potentially destructive countries.
The four vessels had called at Libyan ports. This is a country divided among rival factions that rely on revenues from petroleum cargo. All tankers also have records of removing Malta and stealing supplies.
Last week’s attack on Vilamoura followed another almost similar incident in January and three in February. Most of the incidents were in the Mediterranean, but a tanker was attacked in the Baltic Sea.
Martin Kelly, advisory director for the Maritime Security Experts EOS Risk Group, said there are only “part” similarities between the latest incident and previous incidents.
“There are a variety of alternative possibilities remaining, including Libyan actors and actors from other states who have abilities and perhaps motivations,” Kelly said.
Even before the latest explosion, Arsenio Dominguez, executive director of the United Nations International Maritime Organization, raised concerns last month about the blast moment.
“We will ensure that we will closely monitor these incidents and their investigations,” he told the Physical Safety Committee.
The four vessels belonged to the famous Greek and Cyprus ship owners. The hit last week, Villamoura is part of the Cardiff group of ship-out entrepreneur George Economu.
Seacharm and Seajewel, which hits off the coast of Turkey in January, were hits in Italy in February.
Graceferm, which was damaged from Libya in February, belongs to Simale, Cyprus.
The koala was damaged in an explosion at the UST-Luga port in Russia in February. The ship was placed under sanctions by the EU in May due to improper transport of Russian oil.
There is no suggestion that other vessels have violated G7 rules by carrying Russian oil purchased for over $60 a barrel. Ship tracking data suggests that vessels, primarily called in Russian ports that process oil produced in Kazakhstan, are not subject to sanctions.
The TMS tanker confirmed that the ship suffered a “explosion in the engine compartment” while carrying one million barrels of crude oil mounted on Libya’s Zwetina. There were no injuries or contamination.
“The engine compartment was flooded and the ship lost control, but the water intrusion stopped and she remained stable,” the company said.
Earlier this year, TheNamaris confirmed that the vessels were suffering from “security incidents at different points in the Mediterranean, at various geographical locations.”
“TheNamaris has always been in compliance with international and European rules and regulations and has worked fully with relevant authorities to support ongoing investigations,” he said.
Additional Report: Fabrice Deprez on Kyiv
