Aliaga Turkey – Tanker Incident

Recent reporting indicates that an explosion within the Italian-flagged vessel Synzania has resulted in the death of one crew member. Synzania, a liquid petroleum and gas tanker, was filling with liquid hydrocarbons at Petkim Pier 5, at 2320 hrs local time, when the explosion occurred. The explosion has been contained by fire crews, and once the vessel is cooled an investigation as to the cause of the explosion will take place.

There is currently no reported evidence or intelligence to suggest that this event is suspicious. If this event were an attack, it would likely have been conducted by Kurdish groupings, or assets linked to the Libyan warlord General Haftar, who has made threats against Turkish interests. In both examples, an attack of this nature would fall well outside the MO of both groups, as well as their assessed intent or capability.

It is likely that due to recent incidents in and around the Strait of Hormuz, vessels have become unduly worried by this incident. Further details may well emerge, but in the short term, Dryad is content to advise that Turkish waters remain secure for vessels to operate within.