Arabian Gulf: Oil disaster threatened by Russian shadow fleet vessel

A massive oil spill threatens the coastal waters off Oman after a 270-meter-long oil tanker ran aground near the island of Qibliyah. The vessel, named Caroline Bezengi, is believed to have been carrying approximately 110,000 tons of crude oil, according to estimates from environmental groups. Satellite imagery shows an expanding oil slick covering roughly 600 square kilometers, an area twice the size of Munich, spreading around the stranded ship. Environmental organizations warn that this could lead to one of the worst ecological disasters in recent maritime history. The Caroline Bezengi is attributed to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, a network of vessels registered under flags of convenience, often linked to sanctioned entities. According to data analysis firm Synmax, the tanker likely loaded its cargo in the Russian port of Novorossiysk earlier this year. It is believed to have suffered some kind of incident at sea in early June before ceasing to transmit location data. Reports suggest the vessel was heading toward a port in India, though its exact destination remains unclear. The flag state of the ship has yet to be confirmed, adding to concerns over accountability and response efforts. The location of the stranding is particularly sensitive ecologically. The area surrounding Qibliyah Island is home to coral reefs, endangered sea turtles, migratory birds, and marine mammals such as the rare Arabian humpback whale. These species rely on the region's fragile ecosystem for breeding and feeding. Greenpeace has warned that the oil spill poses a severe threat to these habitats, with potential long-term damage to biodiversity. The organization emphasized that the scale of the spill rivals the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster in Alaska, which released nearly 11 million gallons of crude oil into Prince William Sound. Oman has taken steps to address the crisis, with government officials announcing plans to deploy emergency teams to mitigate environmental damage. However, experts stress that the situation requires urgent action to prevent a catastrophe. One possible solution would involve transferring the oil to another vessel, but this depends on identifying the ship’s legal owner and ensuring proper insurance coverage. Greenpeace highlighted that the lack of clear ownership and registration increases the risk that Oman will bear the financial and ecological burden alone. Speculation surrounds the cause of the stranding. Some reports suggested the possibility of an attack by Ukrainian forces using a naval mine, given previous incidents involving ships from Russia’s shadow fleet. However, analysts noted that such an attack would be logistically difficult due to the distance between Ukraine and Oman. Other theories remain unconfirmed, including mechanical failure or navigational errors. The absence of clear information about the ship’s operators further complicates efforts to determine responsibility. The Caroline Bezengi is reportedly owned by a Chinese company, which is linked to a shell corporation based in Shanghai. This connection raises questions about transparency and regulatory compliance. The Omani transport ministry has already called on the owners to remove the vessel and its cargo from the area, but progress has been slow. Meanwhile, environmental watchdogs continue to monitor the spread of the oil slick, warning that even minor delays in containment efforts could lead to irreversible harm. Satellite images obtained by Planet Labs PBC show the ongoing leakage from the ship, with oil spreading rapidly across the surface of the water. These visuals underscore the urgency of the situation, as the slick continues to grow larger each day. Experts warn that if the ship were to break apart or sink, the amount of oil released could reach catastrophic levels. With no clear resolution in sight, the focus remains on coordinating international support and clarifying the legal status of the vessel to ensure effective response measures.