A sanctioned tanker linked to Russia’s shadow fleet has run aground near Oman’s Al Hallaniyat Islands, triggering an oil slick that has spread across roughly 400 square kilometres, according to Ship & Bunker.
The vessel, identified as the Caroline Bezengi, is under UK government sanctions due to its connections with Russia’s shadow fleet operations, Ship & Bunker reports. Oman’s Environment Authority confirmed the grounding near the Al Hallaniyat Islands in Dhofar Governorate in a statement issued Friday.
Slick Size Estimates Vary
According to the Oman News Agency, as cited by Ship & Bunker, the oil slick covers approximately 390 square kilometres, equivalent to about 150 square miles. However, estimates of the slick’s extent differ depending on the source and timing of analysis.
Environmental group Greenpeace offered a larger estimate on August 5, stating that satellite imagery analysis showed the slick had expanded to around 600 square kilometres, Ship & Bunker notes.
Vessel History and Cargo
The Caroline Bezengi was transporting Russian oil destined for Asian markets at the time of the incident, according to Reuters as reported by Ship & Bunker. The tanker first reported sustaining damage on June 8 while off the coast of Yemen, meaning the vessel had been compromised for an extended period before grounding near Oman.
Does This Matter to You?
This incident highlights ongoing environmental and operational risks associated with sanctioned vessels operating within shadow fleet networks. Vessel operators and charterers navigating the Arabian Sea and waters near Oman may need to remain aware of potential hazards, including oil slicks and vessels with unclear operational histories or sanctions status.
The grounding also underscores the risks tied to aging or damaged tankers continuing to transport cargo despite reported structural issues, as was the case here following the June 8 damage report. For those monitoring maritime risk, incidents involving sanctioned vessels can carry implications for insurance, port access, and regional environmental conditions.
The source material does not specify further operational impacts on shipping routes, port operations, or bunkering activity in the region, so the direct impact for Gulf Bunkering’s audience beyond environmental and vessel-history context is not yet clear.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker, Reuters, Oman News Agency, Greenpeace
