GMM Safety | 2025-02-11 | Case Incidents |

A fuel oil tanker named Koala sustained multiple explosions in its engine room while docked at the Russian port of Ust-Luga in the early hours of February 9, 2025.

The vessel, carrying 130,000 tons of fuel oil, suffered three powerful blasts just before its scheduled departure. The 24-member crew abandoned the ship immediately, and are reported to be safe.

According to Russian reports, the engine room began flooding, and the vessel settled by the stern, making contact with the seabed. However, the majority of the ship remained above water, and no fuel leaks were reported.

The crew, consisting of twelve Indonesians, eight Georgians, and four Russians made it safely to shore without injuries.

Authorities have presented contradictory statements regarding the extent of the damage and the cause of the explosions. Russia’s Marine and River Transport Agency denied any risk of the tanker sinking, stating that its cargo tanks were intact.

The Governor of Leningrad Region, Alexander Drozdenko, described the incident as a “man-made event” that occurred during the engine startup process.

Other reports have speculated about an external impact that might have contributed to the explosion. Boom barriers were installed around the vessel as a precaution, and Russian authorities have stated that investigations are underway.

The Koala is a 22-year-old, Turkish-owned Cypriot-managed Suezmax tanker, registered under the Antigua and Barbuda flag. It has changed its flag state four times in the past year, a common practice among ships operating in Russia’s shadow fleet.

While its port state control inspection records are incomplete, no recent safety violations have been reported.

The incident is being compared to the sinking of the Russian cargo vessel Ursa Major in the Mediterranean in December, which some sources linked to a possible drone attack.

In January, Ukraine’s security services targeted the Ust-Luga fuel terminal with long-range drones, alleging that Russia used the port for sanctioned oil exports.

Although Russian authorities deny any risk of an oil spill, Finland is taking no chances. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo announced that the country was closely monitoring the situation, and the Finnish Coast Guard confirmed it had placed its oil spill response teams on high alert.