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Greece has advised merchant vessels registered under its flag to reinforce their security measures when navigating the Black Sea.
This follows a series of attacks against tankers recorded in recent days, according to a circular from the Greek Ministry of Merchant Marine consulted by Reuters.
Greek-owned or operated vessels are among the largest tanker fleets in the world and are fundamental for trade through the Black Sea region, whose waters are shared by Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, and Turkey, as well as Russia and Ukraine, nations in conflict after Moscow's invasion in February 2022.
In recent weeks, Ukraine and Russia have intensified attacks against vessels and other facilities in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, in an attempt to weaken the opposing side's war efforts.
On Sunday, July 19, a Russian missile struck a vessel carrying corn near the Port of Odesa, in southern Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of 10 people.
Two Greek-operated tankers were also attacked with maritime drones on Sunday at the facilities of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), a 1,510-kilometer pipeline that connects Kazakhstan's oil fields in the Caspian Sea with the Russian port of Novorossiysk in the Black Sea. The CPC accounts for approximately 80% of Kazakhstan's oil exports.
The crude oil tanker Asia, managed by Dynacom, and the Nissos Ios, owned by Kyklades Maritime Corp, were attacked during loading operations. A third Greek-operated unit also suffered an aggression in the area, according to the statement issued on July 21.
"Given the increased tension observed after the attacks against merchant vessels, all Greek ships in the extended region are advised to reinforce their security measures," the statement said.
