Ukraine Hits Third Russia “Shadow Fleet” Tanker in the Black Sea

Ukraine has launched another high-precision maritime strike in the Black Sea, targeting a third tanker associated with Russia’s “shadow fleet,” a network of vessels believed to be operating outside standard regulatory and insurance frameworks to transport Russian oil amid ongoing sanctions. The latest incident involves the Comoros-flagged tanker Dashan, which Ukrainian officials reported was struck by a naval sea drone while navigating within Ukraine’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The tanker, reportedly unladen and bound for the Russian terminal in Novorossiysk, sustained significant damage near its stern area. Footage released by Ukrainian authorities appears to show the moment of impact, further highlighting the increasing sophistication of Ukraine’s unmanned maritime capabilities. This attack follows earlier strikes on the tankers Kairos and Virat in late November, signaling a sustained effort by Ukraine to disrupt Russia’s alternative export channels. The shadow fleet, composed largely of aging oil tankers with unclear ownership and registered under flags of convenience, has been central to Russia’s attempts to maintain oil exports despite international restrictions. The recent escalation marks a notable expansion of the conflict at sea, with direct implications for global energy transport routes.

Ukrainian Drone Attack Sparks Fire at Russian Oil Export Terminal

A Ukrainian drone strike ignited a fire at a Russian oil export terminal, marking another escalation in the ongoing campaign targeting key energy and maritime infrastructure linked to Russia’s war effort. The attack, reported by maritime security monitors, caused significant disruption at the facility as emergency teams moved quickly to contain the blaze and assess structural damage. Initial reports indicate that the fire broke out shortly after the drone impacted critical areas of the terminal used for storage and loading operations. While Russia has not released full details on the extent of the damage, local officials confirmed that terminal activities were temporarily halted as a precaution.

MARINA HOLDS DECEMBER OATH TAKING FOR MARINE OFFICERS

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), through the STCW Office’s Examination and Assessment Division (EAD), officially welcomed newly certificated Marine Deck and Engineer Officers during an oath-taking ceremony held on 04 December 2025 at the AMOSUP Convention Hall, Intramuros, Manila. A total of 98 new officers took their oath. • Deck Department: 48 officers — 11 Master Mariners, 2 Chief Mates, and 35 Officers-in-Charge of a Navigational Watch. • Engine Department: 50 officers — 7 Chief Engineers and 43 Officers-in-Charge of an Engineering Watch.

U.S. Coast Guard Reports Historic $1.1 B Cocaine Seizure in Eastern Pacific

The U.S. Coast Guard has announced a record breaking success in its maritime counter-drug campaign, revealing that more than 150,000 pounds of cocaine have been seized in the Eastern Pacific since the launch of Operation Pacific Viper in August 2025. The haul valued at roughly US$1.1 billion represents over 57 million potentially lethal doses, based on the commonly used lethal threshold of 1.2 grams per dose. This operation marks one of the most ambitious and effective efforts in recent memory by the Coast Guard. On December 2, 2025, the cutter USCGC Munro intercepted a "go fast" vessel and after disabling its engine with precision fire seized more than 20,000 pounds of cocaine, constituting the largest single at-sea interdiction by any cutter since 2007. Meanwhile, the cutter USCGC Stone recently offloaded roughly 49,010 pounds of cocaine at Port Everglades, setting a new record for the largest cocaine seizure by a single cutter in one patrol. The cutter USCGC James also contributed with several substantial interdictions over a ten day period in November.