(ALGIERS, ALGERIA) – A sanctioned Russian shadow fleet oil tanker has been reported drifting and not under command in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Algeria, prompting speculation that it may have been damaged by a Ukrainian drone strike, according to information cited by Bloomberg.
The tanker, named Progress, is part of Russia’s shadow fleet used to transport oil outside international sanctions regimes. Reports indicate that the vessel is currently adrift, with its crew unable to control its movement. No official statement has yet been issued by Ukrainian authorities, and there is no publicly available photographic or video evidence confirming the cause of the incident.
Bloomberg reported that the situation remains unclear, with analysts cautioning that the available information is preliminary. While some observers suggest the tanker may have been struck by Ukrainian drones, others note that mechanical failure cannot be ruled out, particularly given the age and condition of many vessels operating within Russia’s shadow fleet.
Ukraine has previously demonstrated the capability to strike Russian oil tankers in the Mediterranean using long range bomber drones. In one incident last year, a Russian tanker was severely damaged by drone strikes, forcing its abandonment before it was eventually beached near the coast of Türkiye. That attack significantly disrupted Russian oil logistics and highlighted vulnerabilities in Moscow’s maritime supply routes.
If confirmed, the current incident involving the Progress would mark the first suspected Ukrainian drone strike against a Russian tanker in the Mediterranean this year. Analysts note that such operations would require drones to be launched from platforms within the Mediterranean region, as the distances involved rule out direct launches from Ukrainian territory.
Some experts suggest that drones could be launched from another vessel operating in the area, potentially involving Ukrainian operatives. Others caution that Ukraine has repeatedly demonstrated innovative and unconventional operational methods, making definitive conclusions difficult without official confirmation.
Unlike some previous cases, the Progress was reportedly fully loaded at the time of the incident, carrying approximately 730,000 barrels of Urals crude oil. At current market prices, this cargo would be valued at roughly 54.8 million US dollars, equivalent to about 43.4 million pounds sterling. In past operations, Ukraine has generally avoided striking fully laden tankers, a factor that has led some analysts to lean towards mechanical failure as a more likely explanation.
Russia’s shadow fleet has been repeatedly criticised by maritime authorities for poor maintenance and safety standards. Many of the vessels are ageing tankers acquired through opaque transactions and are often described by industry experts as being in poor mechanical condition. Incidents involving breakdowns and loss of control have occurred multiple times in recent years.
The incident comes during a difficult week for Russian oil shipping in the Mediterranean. A separate Russian tanker was seized by French authorities a day earlier as part of sanctions enforcement measures, further increasing pressure on Moscow’s ability to move energy exports by sea.
For now, observers are awaiting further information from maritime authorities, satellite tracking data, or official statements from Ukraine or Russia.
