FT: Tanker attacks spark fears of covert state-backed sabotage in European waters

A wave of unexplained limpet mine attacks on oil tankers in European waters has raised alarm across the global shipping industry, amid speculation that the incidents may be part of a state-sponsored sabotage campaign.

Five tankers have been hit by deliberate explosions so far this year, with the most recent incident involving the Greek-owned Vilamoura last week, Financial Times reports.

The blast flooded the engine room as the vessel sailed near the coast of Libya. According to TMS Tankers, the ship’s owner, “The engine room was flooded and the vessel lost manoeuvrability, but water ingress ceased and she remained stable.” The tanker was carrying one million barrels of crude oil loaded at Libya’s Zuwetina port.

All five targeted vessels had made port calls in Russia in the weeks leading up to their respective attacks, leading some security analysts to point to Ukraine as a possible culprit. Ukraine’s military intelligence did not confirm direct involvement but released a statement describing the Vilamoura as part of Russia’s “shadow fleet.”

A security adviser familiar with the maritime sector noted that initially, “all fingers” had pointed to Ukraine. However, differences in the attack patterns—specifically that the Vilamoura was hit on its hull rather than its side—have prompted theories that other actors, possibly including Libyan or other state-affiliated groups, could be involved.

Martin Kelly, head of advisory at maritime security firm EOS Risk Group, cautioned that while there were “some” similarities between the Vilamoura incident and earlier ones, “There remains a range of alternative possibilities including Libyan actors, and other state actors which have the capability and possibly motive.”

The United Nations’ International Maritime Organization has expressed concern. “I confirm that we will closely monitor these incidents and the investigations into them,” said Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez.

Among the damaged vessels are ships owned by prominent Greek and Cypriot firms. The Seacharm and Seajewel, both hit earlier this year, are owned by Thenamaris, which stated it had suffered “security incidents at separate points in time and in different geographic locations in the Mediterranean Sea,” and is fully cooperating with authorities.

The attacks remain under investigation.

By Vafa Guliyeva