Besiktas stops working with Russia after tanker attack

Turkish company Besiktas stops working with Russia after attack on tanker off Senegal

Turkish company Besiktas, one of the largest regional tanker fleet operators, has announced suspension of all operations related to Russia. The company announced this Reuters.

The decision was made following an attack on its tanker off the coast of Senegal, which damaged the vessel. According to sources, the incident is seen as part of a wider escalation of risks to shipping associated with Russian cargo.

«Risks have gone beyond what is acceptable»

In a statement, the company said that the latest incident proved the point: risks to the fleet and crews have exceeded acceptable limits.

«The situation has become such that we can no longer guarantee the safety of our vessels during operations involving Russian cargo,» the company said.

Compliance with sanctions

Besiktas stressed that it has always been working:

• within the framework of international sanctions regimes,

• in line with the G7/EU price ceiling,

• without participating in sanctions circumvention schemes.

The company stressed that its activities were fully transparent, but the current security situation no longer allows continue to work with the Russian direction.

Context.

In recent months, the number of attacks on ships carrying Russian oil cargo has increased dramatically, both in the Black Sea and far beyond. Experts attribute this to:

• intensification of the conflict in the field of maritime security;

• increased attention to the fleet operating within the Russian export corridor;

• an increase in Russia's shadow tanker fleet.

Besiktas's exit may encourage other companies to reconsider the risks of cooperation with Russia in the energy transport sector.