**Explosion on Russian Oil Tanker Prompts Investigation**
On February 9, an explosion occurred on an oil tanker at the Ust-Luga port in northwest Russia. The Federal Agency for Sea and Inland Water Transport (Rosmorrechflot) reported that the blast happened in the engine room of the Koala, a vessel docked at the port west of St. Petersburg.
The explosion forced the crew to leave the ship, but no oil spill or cargo leak occurred. The ship was not at risk of sinking, according to officials. The incident is under investigation.
**Series of Tanker-Related Accidents**
This accident follows a series of tanker-related accidents in recent months. In December, two oil tankers were wrecked in the Black Sea, causing a large fuel spill that continues to affect the shoreline.
**Details about the Tanker**
The Koala was built in 2023 and sails under the Antigua and Barbuda flag. It arrived at Ust-Luga on February 6 with 130,000 tonnes of heavy fuel oil, according to ship-tracking data.
**No Cause Yet Identified**
Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of the explosion, and the ship’s condition is set to be inspected. The U.S. government had designated over 180 Russian vessels as part of a “shadow fleet” used to export crude oil despite Western sanctions, but the Koala was not included in this list.
**Previous Attack on the Port**
Last month, Ukraine’s security services claimed responsibility for a drone attack on a fuel terminal at Ust-Luga, describing the port as a hub for Russia’s sanctioned oil and gas exports.