Explosions Rock Oil Tanker in Italy, Investigation Underway

In the early hours of February 15, two explosions occurred on the oil tanker Seajewel off the coast of Savona, Italy, sparking concerns over a possible environmental disaster. Fortunately, no oil spills or injuries were reported, thanks to the ship's safety chamber metal sheets, which prevented a leak into the sea.

The 245-meter-long Maltese-flagged tanker, which had arrived from Algeria, suffered damage below the waterline, with hull sheets bent inward—leading investigators to consider an external explosive device as a possible cause. The Savona Coast Guard, along with anti-terrorism and anti-mafia units, have launched an official investigation into the cause of the explosions, including the possibility of sabotage or a terrorist attack.

Averting Environmental Catastrophe

While the Seajewel sustained structural damage, officials credit early detection by port authorities and safety protocols for preventing an oil spill. The tanker was offloading crude oil at the time of the incident when anomalies in the unloading process prompted an emergency shutdown. Pollution control measures were immediately activated, preventing potential contamination of the surrounding waters.

The Savona Public Prosecutor's Office has opened a case to determine the exact cause of the explosion. Authorities are examining whether the tanker was part of Russia's so-called "shadow fleet," a network of older vessels allegedly used to bypass Western oil sanctions. The EU has already sanctioned Russian tankers in its latest energy-related restrictions, with further crackdowns expected.

The STW Enviro Perspective: Strengthening Oil Transport Safety

At STW Enviro, this incident underscores the urgent need for robust oil spill prevention and rapid response solutions. While no oil leaks were reported, such incidents pose serious risks to marine ecosystems—reinforcing the importance of advanced containment technologies in oil transport.

Our Pristine Sea spill response technology is designed to minimize the risk of environmental disasters by providing quick, effective containment in case of oil leaks or tanker damage. Additionally, TransSeal helps enhance infrastructure stability, reducing vulnerabilities in energy transport systems.

With global shipping under increasing scrutiny, ensuring that emergency preparedness, safety protocols, and spill mitigation efforts remain a top priority is essential. At STW Enviro, we are committed to supporting safe and responsible energy transport solutions.