IVG has reported that the cause of the explosion remains unknown. However, the vessel's crew stated that they heard two loud bangs, and the hull damage exhibits concave deformation, suggesting the likely use of explosive devices. The fact that the damage is below the waterline, along with a nearby fish kill, further supports this theory.
The Savona Coast Guard is currently conducting an on-site investigation with divers, though investigators have yet to release any further details.
The Seajewel tanker transported Russian cargo three times in 2024—February, March, and May—returning after each unloading.
Earlier, Ukrainska Pravda discovered that the Seajewel was spotted unloading in the Romanian port of Constanța after arriving from Turkey’s port of Ceyhan. Law enforcement sources indicated that the tanker was originally intended to head to the Russian city of Novorossiysk for transshipment.
A Maltese-flagged oil tanker carrying Russian oil to Europe experienced two powerful explosions while docked at the port of Savona in northwestern Italy last week.
The vessel, Seajewel, was transporting Russian oil to Europe despite international sanctions. This places it within Russian President Vladimir Putin’s so-called "shadow fleet," according to a report by Ukrainian news outlet Ukrainska Pravda on Monday.
Why It Matters
Russia’s "shadow fleet" operates primarily in the Baltic Sea, consisting of aging vessels that often have obscure ownership structures and inadequate insurance. These ships frequently change flag registrations and collectively makeup approximately 17 percent of the global oil tanker fleet.
To curb Russia’s ability to bypass sanctions, Washington imposed new restrictions last month on a significant number of oil-carrying vessels, many of which are believed to belong to this shadow fleet.
Key Details
Following Western sanctions imposed in response to Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia assembled its shadow fleet to facilitate continued oil exports despite restrictions.
The Seajewel suffered a series of explosions while unloading oil early Saturday morning, creating a hole in its hull, according to Italian news outlet IVG. Fortunately, the vessel's safety chamber remained intact, preventing an oil spill and averting a potential environmental disaster. Authorities have assured that the ship is not at risk of sinking.
Crew members reported hearing two loud bangs before discovering that the hull plates had been bent inward. Investigators are currently exploring multiple potential causes, including the possibility of a terrorist attack, IVG reported.
This incident occurred just days after another oil tanker, the Koala, experienced an explosion while docked at Ust-Luga, a port in northwestern Russia near St. Petersburg. The Antigua and Barbuda-flagged vessel, reportedly associated with Russia’s shadow fleet, suffered an engine room explosion on February 9, leading to an emergency evacuation of the crew.
Russia's Federal Agency for Sea and Inland Water Transport (Rosmorrechflot) confirmed the incident on the Koala, stating, "An explosion took place in the engine room," which necessitated the immediate evacuation of personnel.
Official Statements
Marco Russo, the mayor of Savona, and Fabio Gilardi, the mayor of Vado Ligure, issued a joint statement: "We are in constant contact with the relevant authorities. We know that the situation is being closely monitored and supervised in all aspects. At this time, we will refrain from further comment out of respect for the ongoing investigations."
What’s Next?
Authorities continue to investigate the Seajewel incident, examining all possible explanations for the explosions. More details are expected as the inquiry progresses.
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