Black Sea Shipping Fights Back Against Drones

Tankers and cargo ships in the Black Sea are employing makeshift anti-drone defences to counter growing Russian and Ukrainian drone strikes, according to security experts and video obtained by Reuters.

The defences include nets, water tanks, and tyres draped around ships' hulls to cushion potential attacks and prevent damage to engine rooms. The measures have been seen on several vessels, including the Caruzo, a Sierra Leone-flagged crude oil tanker that transited the Bosphorus strait with water tanks dangling from its stern in early August.

Corey Ranslem, chief executive of maritime security group Dryad Global, noted that these countermeasures can be effective against smaller drones but may not work for larger military types. He warned that 'cope cages', netting to protect the ship's superstructure from explosive drones, can be ineffective or even useless in some cases.

The Black Sea has seen a significant increase in drone attacks on commercial ships and port infrastructure since July, with Ukraine targeting vessels facilitating Russian oil and grain exports. The situation remains volatile, with Russia rejecting efforts to restore the Black Sea grain deal and Turkey calling for an urgent solution to address global grain shortages.