The Sheskharis oil terminal in Novorossiysk, Russia, has suspended operations indefinitely after being targeted by drone attacks. This facility is a critical hub for oil exports, with a capacity to handle up to 700,000 barrels of crude oil daily.
Sources indicate that the drone strikes have disrupted the terminal’s ability to export oil, exacerbating existing challenges for Russia’s oil industry. The terminal’s closure comes at a time when the Ust-Luga port, another key oil export facility on the Baltic Sea, is also non-operational, placing additional strain on Russia’s oil export capabilities.
Insiders report that the Russian government may need to reduce oil production as storage capacities fill up due to the halt in exports. However, the extent of the damage to the terminal has not yet been assessed, according to the sources, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the situation.
The timing of these disruptions is particularly challenging for Russia, as global demand for oil has surged amid ongoing military actions involving the United States and Iran, alongside blockades in the Strait of Hormuz.
On the night of April 5, drone strikes targeted Novorossiysk, with videos circulating online showing fires at the Sheskharis terminal and reports of explosions. Additionally, an object associated with Transneft, which services major oil tankers, was also reported to be ablaze.
On April 7, the Ukrainian General Staff reported damage to several infrastructure elements critical for oil handling and unloading at the Sheskharis terminal following the attacks. They also confirmed subsequent strikes on the Ust-Luga oil terminal, which is located on the Baltic Sea coast.
Prior to this, OSINT analysts had noted drone activity over the Leningrad region, with reports of strikes on Ust-Luga occurring for the second consecutive week. These attacks have led to significant fires and have effectively rendered the port inoperable for oil loading onto tankers.
The Sheskharis oil terminal in Novorossiysk has ceased operations due to drone strikes, impacting Russia's oil exports. With another key terminal also down, the situation poses significant challenges for the country's oil industry amid rising global demand.