Moldovan tanker struck by missile off Ukrainian coast, injures 2

Quantum Commodity Intelligence – The chemical tanker Millennial Spirt, sailing under the Moldovan flag, has been struck by a missile near the Ukrainian port of Odesa early Friday afternoon, seriously injuring two of the Russian crew, the Moldovan naval authorities said.

The source of the shell was unknown and caused a fire onboard that destroyed the lifeboats, with vessels nearby helping the escaping crew.

The vessel is operated by a Ukrainian company, while the crew of 10 Russians – all of which were named by the authorities – were able to escape safely, with two injured.

Cargo vessel Namura Queen also came under rocket fire on her way to the port of Pivdennyi (previously known as Yuzhne) on Friday, according to local reports, causing a fire on board.

It comes after reports of shipbrokers and oil tankers refusing to offer their ships to collect crude oil from Russia while insurance companies have hiked up their premiums for vessels sailing through the Black Sea.

On Thursday, bulk carrier Yasa Jupiter, operated by Turkish marine company YA SA Holding, came under rocket fire outside the port of Odesa, forcing her to head for Romanian waters, according to Turkish newswires.

Shipping groups MSC and Maersk have stopped accepting new bookings for cargo to and from Ukraine and will stop calling at Ukrainian ports to protect the safety and wellbeing of its employees, the companies said Thursday.