Maritime Industry Briefing: Black Sea Drone Strike Kills Five Seafarers as Greek Owner Returns to Newbuilding Market

## Black Sea Strike Claims Five Seafarers in Deadliest Single Attack on Commercial Shipping Five seafarers have been killed and 12 others injured after a Russian drone struck a merchant vessel working cargo at a port in the Odesa region, according to Splash247. The attack on the Togo-flagged vessel represents one of the deadliest single strikes on commercial shipping in nearly four and a half years of full-scale war between Russia and Ukraine. The incident underscores the persistent and escalating danger faced by merchant mariners operating in and around Ukrainian Black Sea ports, despite international efforts to maintain commercial shipping corridors in the region. Attacks on civilian vessels and port infrastructure have continued to pose a severe threat to seafarer safety and regional trade flows throughout the conflict. The loss of life serves as a stark reminder of the human cost borne by maritime workers navigating one of the world's most contested waterways. Industry bodies and flag state authorities are expected to respond to the incident, which is likely to intensify calls for enhanced protection measures for commercial vessels operating in the war zone. --- ## Andriaki Shipping Returns to Newbuilding Market with LR1 Tanker Pair In a significant commercial development, Greek tanker owner Andriaki Shipping has placed its first newbuilding order in approximately a decade, according to Splash247. The Marousi-based company has booked two 73,500 dwt LR1 product tankers at China's New Times Shipbuilding, with each vessel priced at around $55.1 million. The scrubber-fitted ships are scheduled for delivery in the coming years, signalling renewed confidence in the product tanker segment among Greek shipowners. The LR1 class has attracted growing interest from owners seeking flexible tonnage capable of carrying both clean and dirty petroleum products across major trade routes. Andriaki's return to the newbuilding market reflects a broader trend of Greek shipping companies capitalising on favourable tanker market conditions and locking in capacity ahead of anticipated demand growth. New Times Shipbuilding, a well-established Chinese yard, continues to attract orders from European owners seeking competitive pricing and reliable delivery schedules. The order also highlights the ongoing appeal of exhaust gas cleaning systems, or scrubbers, as owners seek to manage fuel cost differentials between high-sulphur and low-sulphur bunkers over the long term.