Sanctioned Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker Leaks Oil off Oman

The Government of Oman is coordinating emergency boom and dispersant operations at its own expense to contain a massive oil spill off its southern coast. The leak originated from the Caroline Bezengi, a 900-foot Suezmax tanker carrying nearly one million barrels of Russian crude oil. The vessel, part of Russia's shadow fleet used to bypass Western sanctions, reported a suspected onboard explosion near Mukalla, Yemen, on June 8 before drifting and grounding on the rocks of Al Qibliyyah in the Hallaniyat Islands.

Omani authorities confirmed on August 11 that the resulting oil slick covers approximately 390 square kilometers and has moved within seven kilometers of the mainland in the Dhofar governorate. The spill threatens a protected marine reserve established by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said. However, environmental groups Greenpeace and PAX provide higher estimates, suggesting the slick covers between 600 and 800 square kilometers.

Cleanup efforts are stalled by a lack of funding and cooperation. The registered owner, Rentoor Shipmanagement, and manager Villar Shipmanagement, both based in China, have not responded to directives to remove the wreck. Because the vessel lacked solvent insurance from the International Group of P&I Clubs and relied on opaque alternative coverage, no insurer has stepped forward to fund the response. The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology of Oman is currently conducting hull inspections to develop a plan for transferring the remaining cargo.