Russian Tanker Grounded Off Oman Coast Leaks Oil, Environmental Disaster Unfolds
A potential environmental disaster is unfolding off the coast of Oman, as the Russian tanker Caroline Bezengi has run aground and is leaking oil. The vessel, part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, has been stranded on a shoal near the Omani coast for a month after it was damaged by an explosion of unknown origin on 8 July and its crew abandoned the vessel.
The tanker, estimated to be over 20 years old, is located in a protected marine area and has created a vast oil slick covering as much as 2,000 km². The company that owns the vessel has not responded to the situation, and the likelihood that the Russian shadow fleet vessel is insured is low.
Oman Takes Responsibility for Addressing Situation
Under international law and standards, Oman is responsible for addressing the situation. It has reportedly dispatched specialized personnel to the vessel. However, access to the ship is complicated by the weather and the security situation, as its condition is unclear. Images show that the tanker is half-submerged.
The environmental impacts could be massive, comparable to the “notorious” Exxon Valdez tanker disaster off Alaska in 1989. It cost the US oil giant around $2.1 billion at the time.
Shadow Fleet’s History of Uninsured Tankers
Russia has used old, uninsured tankers for its shadow fleet, often through concealed and difficult-to-trace ownership structures. According to many analysts, it was only a matter of time before a similar disaster occurred. It is now up to Oman how it responds to the situation and what options it has for dealing with it.
The shadow fleet was created, among other things, as a tool enabling Moscow to circumvent some Western sanctions and continue exporting oil. The European Union has therefore gradually tightened its sanctions regime against these vessels. A potential accident thus also highlights one of the side effects of moving Russian oil outside traditional transport and insurance structures.
Two More Oil Slicks in the Area
At the same time, satellite imagery suggests this was not the only incident in the area. The two latest oil slicks are located directly in the Persian Gulf. A video published on 11 August and verified by Reuters showed a dark, bubbling liquid washing ashore on beaches in the city of Suza on Qeshm Island.
A second oil slick was recorded near the smaller island of Sirri in the central Persian Gulf, approximately 100 kilometres southwest of Qeshm. Some of Iran’s oil and natural gas production takes place on and around the island.
The satellite image of Qeshm Island was taken on 10 August and that of Sirri Island on 13 August. The presence of pollution was also confirmed by a spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry on social network X.
Original Article: Environmental disaster in Hormuz: Russian tanker and two new oil slicks alarm region — Oenergetice