Airbus satellite images captured at least two direct hits on the pipeline of the Transneft oil terminal in the port of Tuapse, which was attacked during the night of November 1.
A tanker moored at the pier was also hit, according to the Exilenova+ Telegram channel.
The Tuapse terminal is one of Russia’s key export hubs. It handles oil shipments to foreign markets, including countries in the Mediterranean and Asia.
The damage to the facility could significantly affect the logistics of Russia’s energy exports through the Black Sea.
The pier that was hit was commissioned in 2013. It is capable of handling up to 7 million tons of products per year and accommodating vessels up to 250 meters long with a draft of up to 15 meters.
The facility is operated by Chernomortransneft JSC, which is part of the Transneft PJSC structure. The terminal has federal significance and is critically important to Russia’s energy infrastructure.
According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the strike hit the infrastructure of RN-Tuapse Refinery, an oil refining enterprise located within the port area. It is one of the largest facilities of its kind in southern Russia.
A video published by the Exilenova+ Telegram channel confirms an oil spill into the sea following the attack.
The local administration also confirmed that the tanker was hit.
“In the port of Tuapse, the fragments of drones fell onto an oil tanker. The deck superstructure was damaged. The tanker’s crew was evacuated. A fire broke out on the vessel. Buildings and terminal infrastructure were also damaged. In addition, windows at the railway station building were shattered. According to preliminary information, there were no casualties,” the operational headquarters of the Krasnodar Krai reported.
According to Andrii Klymenko, head of the Institute for Strategic Black Sea Studies, three tankers were present near the terminal during the attack – two Greek vessels (POLLUX and COAST BUSTER) and one Turkish vessel (CHAI). The fire likely broke out on the Turkish ship.
It should be recalled that in late September, Ukrainian naval drones had already attacked oil export infrastructure in Tuapse. At that time, a kamikaze drone struck one of the oil-loading piers, marking the first documented strike on this facility.
