Novorossiysk: The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) announced on Thursday that two oil tankers were attacked in the Black Sea amid ongoing airstrikes between Moscow and Kyiv, resulting in at least eight deaths and numerous injuries.

According to Anadolu Agency, the CPC detailed in a Telegram statement that the 'NISSOS SIFNOS,' a crude oil tanker flying the Marshall Islands flag and owned by Tengizchevroil, was targeted during an overnight attack while loading oil at the CPC's marine terminal in Novorossiysk, Russia. The incident resulted in a fire on the cargo deck, which was extinguished by the tanker's crew with assistance from three CPC support vessels. No oil spill was reported, and the tanker remains afloat as damage assessments are conducted.

The CPC statement indicated the possibility of casualties among its employees or contractors. Oil loading operations have been halted, although the pipeline facilities continue to operate normally. Additionally, the tanker 'MARATHI' was attacked six nautical miles from the CPC marine terminal while en route to receive oil.

The statement underscored that calls from Kazakhstan and other CPC shareholders, including appeals through the US State Department, to avoid using force against international energy infrastructure were disregarded. The attacks pose risks to global energy security, disrupt energy trade, and significantly affect the economic interests of Kazakhstan, CPC shareholders, and shippers like Chevron, ExxonMobil, Eni, Total, and Shell.

As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine persists, both sides have exchanged accusations concerning overnight attacks, which local authorities report resulted in multiple casualties and injuries. Earlier this month, Russia and Kazakhstan criticized Ukrainian drone attacks on vessels at the CPC marine terminal, with Ukraine acknowledging responsibility for some incidents. However, the CPC did not specify the perpetrators of Thursday's attacks, and neither Russian nor Ukrainian authorities have commented on the origins of the assault.