Chai

Ukraine's armed forces have attacked the oil terminal at the Russian Black Sea port of Tuapse, damaging the loading facility and the Aframax 'Pollux' (IMO: 9243320), the product tanker 'Coast Buster' and the 'Chai' on the night of Nov 1, 2025. Piston-engined drones, indicative of a long-range aerial UAV strike of the type that Ukraine has used extensively to target Russian oil and gas infrastructure, caused at least three fires burning on the pier or aboard the vessels moored at it. NASA FIRMS fire detection data confirmed a large infrared signature at the facility, visible from space. Tracer fire from ongoing air defense efforts was ongoing well after daybreak on Nov 2, suggesting that the attack continued after several hits. There was a substantial oil spill on the water. A previous strike on the deepater port had occurred in late September, and involved a combined attack of air and surface drones. At least one suicide drone boat made it through Russian defenses and struck a loading pier. Report with photos and video: https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/ukraine-hits-oil-pier-at-port-of-tuapse-in-long-range-drone-attack