A large oil slick, measuring about 40,000 square meters, was detected in the port area of Novorossiysk on the Black Sea. The information surfaced through a telegraphic channel associated with Rosprirodnadzor, which monitors environmental compliance in Russia. The notice indicates that the incident prompted immediate action by the environmental service.
According to the message, Rosprirodnadzor received a report about oil pollution on the surface of the Black Sea near the docks of LLC Container Terminal NUTEP in the Novorossiysk port. Teams were dispatched to the site to assess the situation and carry out an on-site survey. The responders described a distinctive rainbow sheen spanning roughly 40,000 square meters, a sight that raised concerns about the extent of contamination and potential harm to aquatic life and coastal environments.
In parallel with the field survey, Rosprirodnadzor coordinated with the regional prosecutor’s office to conduct an unscheduled inspection of the operator responsible for the identified contaminated area. Environmental professionals collected water samples for laboratory analysis to determine the concentration of pollutants and the possible sources of the spill. The total environmental damage is expected to be quantified after the results of these analyses are available and evaluated by the monitoring authorities.
The incident follows another oil-related episode reported recently, when a vessel sank in the Moscow River and created a surface layer of fat covering an area of about 2,000 square meters. That event underscored ongoing concerns about how spills are detected, assessed, and mitigated in major waterways that serve critical commercial and transport functions.
Officials emphasize the importance of rapid response protocols and transparent reporting so that corrective measures can be implemented promptly. During the investigation, experts emphasized precise delineation of the affected area, monitoring of water quality, and the deployment of containment booms or other remediation technologies if necessary. The collaboration between Rosprirodnadzor, the prosecutor’s office, and the operator aims to pinpoint the spill’s origin, evaluate the environmental impact, and determine accountability based on applicable laws and regulations. The public is advised to follow official updates for developments related to cleanup operations and any advisories about water use near the port zone.
From a regulatory perspective, the case highlights ongoing priorities for marine and port environmental safety, including the prevention of discharges, routine inspections of storage and handling facilities, and robust response plans for accidental releases. The authorities’ approach reflects an emphasis on rapid detection, accurate assessment, and evidence-based remediation to protect the Black Sea ecosystem and the livelihoods of communities that rely on the port for trade and transportation. Ongoing monitoring will likely include repeated sampling, shoreline surveys, and checks on vessel and terminal operations to ensure compliance with environmental standards and to deter future incidents.