Following reports of an accident involving a «shadow fleet» tanker, Greenpeace representatives have protested against the operations of such fleets. Environmentalists warn that the oil spill could have a devastating impact on the Gulf of Oman’s ecosystem and are calling for intensified efforts to combat the shadow fleet.
Oil leaking from a breach in a Russian «shadow fleet» tanker that ran aground in the Gulf of Oman has reached the Omani mainland, the UN reports. A rupture of its cargo tanks could lead to an environmental disaster.
Oil leaking from a breach in the Caroline Bezengi—a tanker belonging to Russia’s «shadow fleet»—has reached the coast of Oman. Reuters reported this on Wednesday, September 12, citing the UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO).
According to IMO representatives, the oil slick is currently drifting northeast of the Omani island of Jazirat al-Qibliyah, though some of the pollution has already reached the mainland. The Omani government estimates the size of the slick at 400 square kilometers.
Greenpeace claims the slick is much larger, noting that it had already reached an area of 600 square kilometers by August 6. Seasonal monsoon conditions are hindering access to the leaking vessel and delaying salvage operations.
Environmentalists warn that the spill could have a devastating impact on the Gulf of Oman’s ecosystem. The tanker is located near the Hallaniyat Islands archipelago—a protected marine reserve home to rare coral reefs, sea turtle nesting grounds, humpback whales, and Socotra cormorants.
Consequently, environmental organizations are advocating for a significant intensification of efforts to combat «shadow fleet» tankers. In particular, environmentalists propose introducing special police missions to inspect the technical condition of oil tankers. They believe particular emphasis should be placed on sanctioned «shadow fleet» tankers, as these are typically very old (15–25 years).
