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Suspected Russian shadow tanker evacuated in Russian Ust-Luga after explosion and ammonia leak

On the morning of July 6, 2025, an explosion with a subsequent ammonia leakage occurred at the Ust-Luga seaport during loading operations on the 'Eco Wizard'. The ship started taking on water and listed to port side. The terminal’s emergency services were working to contain the incident. The Transportation Ministry convened an emergency meeting at its Situational and Information Center, chaired by the Transport Minister Roman Starovoit. The port’s loading operations were suspended, and local authorities have placed nearby facilities on alert. The 23 crew members of the LNG tanker were evacuated, and the emergency services were planning a diving inspection of the vessel to determine the extent of the damage to the vessel’s hull and cargo systems. An underwater drone inspection revealed two breaches, each about 1 by 1.5 meters, near the engine room at depths of 6 and 7 meters, with metal bent inward, suggesting an external blast. The tanker had not been inspected upon docking due to poor weather conditions. The explosion occurred during ammonia loading, with 3,500 tons of cargo already onboard, prompting an immediate halt to operations. The tanker had arrived in the port, en route from Antwerp. The 'Eco Wizard' was suspected to belong to Russia’s shadow fleet. The cause of the explosion remained under investigation, with speculation ranging from a technical malfunction to possible sabotage. Report with photo: https://splash247.com/russia-downplays-ammonia-leak-in-wake-of-stealthgas-tanker-blast-at-ust-luga/