Explosion Damages Shadow Fleet Tanker in Russian Port of Ust-Luga

An oil tanker carrying 130,000 tons of fuel oil has been damaged after an explosion in the Russian port of Ust-Luga, located in the Leningrad region. According to reports from Telegram channels, the incident occurred in the early hours of February 9.

The tanker Koala, sailing under the flag of Antigua and Barbuda, was docked at the third berth of the port when three explosions were reported in its engine room. At the time, the vessel was preparing to depart after loading fuel oil. The crew of 24 people—four Russian nationals, eight Georgians, and twelve Indonesians—managed to evacuate safely.

By morning, the vessel was partially submerged at the stern, prompting Russian emergency services to install containment booms around the tanker. Officials have stated that no fuel spill has been detected.

The governor of the Leningrad region, Alexander Drozdenko, described the event as a “technological incident” that occurred during the engine startup, leading to damage in the engine room.

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo stated that Finland is monitoring developments closely and has reinforced its oil spill response capabilities. The Finnish Coast Guard also confirmed that it is gathering additional information about the incident.

Earlier, on December 15, 2024, the Russian oil tanker Volgoneft-212, carrying 4,300 tons of fuel oil, broke apart near the Kerch Strait, according to Russian media. Another tanker, Volgoneft-239, also sank in the same area. Crews from both vessels were stranded for hours before rescue operations commenced.