Crude Oil Loadings Delayed 2–3 Days at Novorossiysk Following Ukrainian Attack
Crude Oil Loadings Delayed 2–3 Days at Novorossiysk Following Ukrainian Attack
Novorossiysk Port, one of Russia's most critical crude oil export points in the Black Sea, continues to experience significant disruptions in loadings following the Ukrainian attack on November 14. Three sources speaking with Reuters noted that berths 1 and 1A at the Sheskharis oil terminal's main jetties sustained damage, causing Suezmax tanker loadings to fall 2 to 3 days behind schedule.
\nNovorossiysk holds a strategic position in Russia's energy supply chain alongside the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal, which hosts one-fifth of the country's seaborne oil exports. Due to the Ukrainian attack, the port and CPC terminal were forced to suspend exports briefly on November 15; shipments resumed only on Sunday, November 17.
\nDamage to Suezmax berth substantial
\nOne source stated, "Suezmax-class tanker loadings have been transferred to berth 1A; berth 1 remains out of operation."
\nThis situation significantly reduces operational efficiency, particularly for large Suezmax tankers with 140,000 DWT capacity. While one of the terminal's two main jetties was designed for Suezmax/Aframax vessels, the other berth can only serve smaller vessels.
The Ukrainian attack represents the most serious damage to Russia's main Black Sea oil infrastructure to date. News of the attack drove oil prices up 2 percent on Friday; the resumption of loadings caused prices to ease on Monday.
\nHow long will delays persist?
\nIndustry sources indicate that, barring deteriorating weather, the port could work through the backlog by month-end. However, uncertainty persists as winter storms in the Black Sea could easily disrupt loadings.
\nIn October, 3.22 million tonnes (roughly 760,000 barrels per day) of crude oil were exported via Novorossiysk. November volumes are expected to be lower due to the attack and ongoing repair work.
\nThe Kremlin stated that damage at the port could be remedied "in the short term" and that export capacity would return to normal. However, sources consulted by Reuters emphasize that repairs to the Suezmax berth remain slow-moving.
\nKazakh oil also affected
\nNovorossiysk is also a critical exit point for Kazakh crude. A trading source noted that they anticipate 1–2 day delays in Kazakh oil shipments but hope to catch up on schedule by month-end.
\nKazakh crude reaches Novorossiysk via two main routes:
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Atyrau–Samara pipeline (430,000 tonnes planned for November)
\n Aktau–Makhachkala–Novorossiysk route (170,000 tonnes planned for November)
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Consequently, the situation at the Russian port affects not only Moscow's exports but Kazakh oil flows directly as well.
\nGeopolitical implications
\nUkraine's increasingly aggressive maritime strategy in the Black Sea aims to weaken Russia's seaborne supply chain. The attack on Novorossiysk demonstrates that oil infrastructure has become a military target and that the conflict's impact on energy trade is growing.
\nKey Points:
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Crude oil loadings at Novorossiysk are 2–3 days behind schedule.
\n Suezmax berths at the Sheskharis terminal sustained damage.
\n Oil prices rose 2 percent following the attack.
\n CPC and Russian oil exports halted briefly and resumed on November 17.
\n Kazakh crude is also experiencing 1–2 day delays.
\n Recovery by month-end is possible, though weather conditions are critical.
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\nNews Link: https://gcaptain.com/russias-novorossiysk-behind-schedule-on-loadings-due-to-jetty-damage/
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\nAuthor: SedatOnat.com
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