- Coastal Detours Replace Direct Black Sea Crossings.
- Routes Near Georgia and Turkey Seen as Safer.
- Sea Drone Threat Drives Navigation Changes.
Oil tankers carrying Russian crude across the Black Sea are increasingly steering clear of direct routes, opting instead to hug the coastlines of Georgia and Turkey. This shift in strategy seems to be a way to reduce the chances of being targeted by Ukrainian sea drones, reports Insurance Journal.
Tracking Data Shows Unusual Navigation
According to vessel-tracking data from Bloomberg, at least two tankers that recently loaded up at Russia’s Novorossiysk port have taken these coastal paths toward the Bosphorus, swapping out the more direct route that cuts through the middle of the Black Sea.
Significant Increase in Distance
Taking the coastal detour adds about 350 miles—roughly 70% more—to the journey between Novorossiysk and the Turkish straits, which means longer travel times and higher operational costs.
Questions Over Digital Signals
There’s a chance that some vessels might be sending out false digital positions, a tactic that’s become more common for Russian shipments during the ongoing conflict. However, satellite imagery reviewed by Bloomberg confirmed that at least one tanker was indeed following this longer route.
Satellite Image Confirms Detour
Satellite images showed one tanker about 4.4 nautical miles away from where its digital position indicated it should be. This identification was backed up by the vessel’s size, color, and deck layout.
Vessel Details Unclear
The tanker in question was the Jumbo, flying the flag of Sierra Leone. Its insurer and beneficial owner remain unknown, according to Bloomberg data. The ship’s listed manager in the Equasis maritime database did not respond to inquiries for comment.
Rising Sea Drone Attacks
In recent weeks, several vessels associated with Russia have come under attack from Ukraine’s Sea Baby naval drones while navigating the Black Sea. Notably, all the targeted ships were reported to be empty at the time of the assaults.
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Source: Insurance Journal
