Dryad Global has issued a maritime security update pointing out awave of suspected underwater explosive attacks on commercial oil tankers in the Mediterranean throughout 2025 has heightened regional security concerns.
Dryad Global claims that it has identified a clear pattern, as vessels recently calling at Russian ports are being targeted by suspected limpet mines, raising fears of a deliberate sabotage campaign tied to geopolitical fallout from western sanctions on Russian oil exports.
Latest incident: explosion off Libya
On 29 June, the Malta-flagged crude oil tanker VILAMOURA, operated by a Greek firm, suffered a significant blast off the Libyan coast near Benghazi. The explosion caused severe engine room flooding, rendering the vessel uncontrollable until towed to safety. Early assessments point to a possible limpet mine, although official confirmation from Greek and Libyan investigators is expected by July.
According to Dryad Global, this is not an isolated case, as a pattern of attacks emerges:
- 15 February – SEAJEWEL (Malta-flagged): Two explosions while anchored near Savona-Vado, Italy, resulted in a 2×4-foot hull breach. Authorities are investigating the use of Soviet-era BPM-1 or BPM-2 limpet mines.
- Late January – SEACHARM (Marshall Islands-flagged): A 3-foot hull breach near Ceyhan, Turkey. Recovered debris suggests a limpet mine was used.
- Early February – GRACE FERRUM (Liberia-flagged): Severely damaged near Tobruk, Libya, with salvage operations required.
Crucially, all vessels had recently visited Russian ports such as Ust-Luga or Novorossiysk, suggesting a focused campaign against vessels involved in sanctioned Russian energy trade.
What’s driving the threat?
While investigations are ongoing, Dryad assesses the risk to be MODERATE for vessels calling at Russian ports. The attacks demonstrate military-grade sophistication, these are not opportunistic acts but highly targeted operations, potentially involving state-sponsored actors or proxy groups amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The suspected use of magnetically attached, timer-activated limpet mines indicates advanced planning and intent to disrupt energy flows and pressure Western-aligned operators.
