Commercial shipping in the eastern Black Sea faces extreme risk as daily drone attacks expand into neutral international waters.
Overview
Escalating drone attacks on merchant ships in neutral waters mean there is no longer a safe haven for commercial shipping in the region, unless these attacks stop completely.
Ukrainian drone forces have shifted their focus from the outer roads of Russian ports (at the beginning of August) to the international waters of the Black Sea.
The latest drone attacks on vessels heading to or from Russian ports occurred on August 26, 2026.
The only major exception is crude oil tankers loading at the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal off Novorossiysk. Aside from the m/t SKIROS on August 17, 2026, tankers at the CPC terminal have not faced targeted strikes in the past several weeks, and the terminal operates normally.
Key points
- Several merchant vessels are targeted every day.
- Rescue vessels at risk - passing vessels attempting crew rescues or towing damaged ships are intentionally targeted, along with towing tugboats.
- The vessels are also attacked beyond the southern limits of High-Risk Area (HRA) area. The active risks fall outside the formal HRA coordinates established for the Black Sea.
- Protective netting and other onboard drone-hardening measures do not provide efficient protection.
Security advice for vessels trading at Russian Black Sea ports
Based on the latest accidents, the following is advised for vessels which continue to trade at Russian Black Sea ports.
Drone attack alerts
- Avoid staying north of the southern HRA boundaries, or within 20 miles south of the HRA limits, during active drone alerts. Mid-sea areas lack air defence capabilities and leave vessels entirely vulnerable. Emergency rescue or firefighting services cannot reach vessels far from shore during an attack.
- Do not proceed to or from a port if drone launches toward the Russian Black Sea coast are reported.
- Coordinate closely with your P&I Correspondent or local agent for real-time security warnings.
Non-stop passage
Multiple vessels have been attacked at the outer roads of Novorossiysk and Tuapse, and 20-40 miles outside Russian waters while waiting for mooring.
- Do not anchor at outer roads for bunkering, documentary formalities (e.g., Phytosanitary certificates), or inward/outward clearance.
- Confirm with agents and traffic control that the vessel will proceed directly to a berth upon arrival. If the scheduled berth is occupied, arrange in advance to proceed immediately to an alternative vacant berth.
The exception for the underwater survey, if scheduled, is the inner harbour of Novorossiysk (anchorage area 414).
Enhanced drone watch
- Activate Bridge Watch Level 3 (Enhanced maritime security watch) prior to entering the HRA, regardless of active alerts.
- Prioritize transiting to and from ports during daylight hours. Visual surveillance and drone identification are only effective during the day, providing the necessary reaction time to trigger shipboard defences.
Designate muster points and standby protocols
Select a designated muster point that maximizes protection from blast shrapnel:
- Engine Room area for aerial drones
- if the bridge crew cannot reach the Engine Room in time, take shelter in the accommodation ladder casing, which provides a two-wall buffer from drone impacts.
- main/upper deck deep within the accommodation block for sea drones
The crewmembers are strongly advised not to attempt to take pictures or videos of incoming drones, not to remain on deck, in cabins, or on the bridge during attack, but evacuate immediately to the muster point.
Although this advice is primarily applicable to medium- to large-sized vessels, there is no alternative strategy for smaller vessels.
The crew is also advised to remain on standby at all times within the HRA. Keep passports, valuables, and electronics packed in backpacks for immediate emergency evacuation.
Firefighting readiness
Keep firefighting equipment rigged, pressurized, and ready for immediate deployment.
Store portable firefighting gear partially sheltered within the accommodation block to protect it from the initial thermal and kinetic impact of a drone strike.