Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker “Kairos” Remains in Burgas Bay
The tanker “Kairos” has remained in Burgas Bay for an eighth month despite orders for its removal from Bulgarian territorial waters. Authorities conducted inspections after reports of stains around the vessel but found no evidence of fuel leakage or pollution of the seawater.
According to Vesselin Anestiev, Deputy Regional Governor of Burgas, and Eng. Zhivko Petrov, director of the Burgas branch of Maritime Administration, the Executive Agency “Maritime Administration” has issued two administrative acts against the shipowner for failing to comply with instructions to prepare and remove the technically defective tanker.
The 274-meter tanker remains in Bulgarian waters after being left anchored off Burgas following a rescue operation. Authorities have not reported a fuel spill from the vessel, despite continued concerns over its prolonged presence in the bay.
Greenpeace Identifies “Kairos” as Part of Russia’s Shadow Fleet
Greenpeace has identified “Kairos” as part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”, a network of vessels used to transport fossil fuels and generate revenue for Russia’s military economy. The organization says the tanker was struck in November 2025 while sailing empty back toward the Russian port of Novorossiysk.
Following the incident, a Turkish tugboat towed the damaged vessel into Bulgarian territorial waters. The move triggered a diplomatic dispute, with the Turkish ambassador summoned to provide official explanations.
Concerns Over Toxic Spills Along Bulgaria’s Southern Black Sea Coast
Greenpeace has also raised concerns over a series of toxic spills reported along Bulgaria’s southern Black Sea coast in recent months. According to the organization, most of the incidents have been attributed to the presence of “Kairos” in the area.
Despite authorities’ latest inspections finding no fuel leakage or contamination of seawater around the tanker, the vessel’s continued stay in Bulgarian waters remains unresolved, while the two administrative acts against its owner underline the failure to comply with the orders for its removal.
Original Article: Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker “Kairos” Remains in Burgas Bay — Novinite