site.btaOil Slicks Spotted in Black Sea after Strikes on Yuzhny Port, Odesa Regional Governor Says

Oil slicks have been spotted on the surface of the Black Sea following massive strikes on Yuzhny port near Odesa, Oleh Kiper, Head of the Odesa Oblast Military Administration, said on Telegram on Wednesday.

The pollution was caused by damage to sunflower oil storage tanks during attacks on port infrastructure. As a result, part of the vegetable oil spilled onto the enterprise’s territory, into the estuary water area and subsequently reached the sea, Kiper said.

The fire that broke out at the facility has been extinguished. For the first two days after the damage, the port remained under continuous shelling. Leak containment was carried out only partially and exclusively during short pauses between air raids, in compliance with personnel safety requirements. During that time, specialists gradually installed floating oil spill booms.

All relevant services were immediately engaged after the pollution was detected. Ukraine’s State Environmental Inspectorate and the Odesa Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention are monitoring water quality, while environmental damage is being assessed. The shoreline has been secured and additional pumps deployed.

To prevent further spread of the pollution, the administration of Pivdennyi Port blocked the port channel with two layers of oil spill booms. Specialized vessels are collecting the contamination from the water surface. The port’s water area has been temporarily closed until the spill is fully eliminated.

A final assessment will be made after complete containment. Kiper stressed that the substance involved is vegetable (sunflower) oil, an organic material subject to natural biodegradation. At the same time, all possible measures are being taken to contain the spill and prevent further spread, taking into account security and weather conditions.

The Odesa Zoo has taken in birds affected by the oil spill for rehabilitation, while additional measures to address the consequences are under way.