Russia’s state-run port operator FSUE Rosmorport has announced a RUB 3.16 billion ($39.5m) tender to inspect the underwater sections of vessels at key Baltic Sea ports amid mounting concerns over maritime sabotage.
The sweeping safety initiative follows a string of mysterious explosions on merchant ships, most recently aboard StealthGas’s ammonia tanker Eco Wizard (pictured) at the Ust-Luga energy hub earlier this month. That blast—officially described as a “minor leak”—triggered the evacuation of the vessel and temporary port closure. Damage inspection revealed large holes in the hull, with metal bent inward, fuelling speculation of an external attack.
The new contract is divided into four lots, covering ports at Saint Petersburg, Ust-Luga, Primorsk, Vysotsk, Vyborg and Kaliningrad. Work will include detailed surveys of propellers, rudders, thrusters, sea chests, and bulbous bows, using sonar, hydroacoustic systems, and remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) to detect unplanned or potentially explosive objects.
Each vessel inspection is expected to cost between RUB578,000 and RUB2.8m, depending on vessel class. Bidding is open until July 24, with contracts to be awarded by August 4.
The Eco Wizard blast followed similar incidents in February, when the Turkish-owned Koala was rocked by three explosions at Ust-Luga, and in June when the Vilamoura, a suezmax managed by TMS Tankers, was hit after calling at Russian ports.
The Ust-Luga incidents are part of a growing list of maritime explosions involving tankers linked to Russian trade, including outside the Baltic. In recent months, explosions on the Seajewel and Seacharm (both aframaxes managed by Thenamaris) in the Mediterranean, as well as the Grace Ferrum off Libya, have raised alarms among maritime security experts, many of whom suspect the use of limpet mines.
In December 2024, the Ursa Major, a Russian general cargo ship, sank in the western Mediterranean following an underwater explosion. While official statements have often downplayed these events, local authorities and international observers increasingly view them as a coordinated campaign against Russia’s export of fossil fuels.
The string of blasts recorded in recent months will likely initiate a review of war risk premium rates for vessels calling Russian Baltic Sea ports, maritime security specialist Ambrey suggested earlier this month. Ambrey is advising shipping companies to conduct asset screening assessments for all charter-party agreements and purchases, and to carry out dynamic voyage risk assessments.
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