Published by Sanvee Goupta (Photo: Turkish General Directorate of Shipping)
Introduction
A dramatic incident unfolded in Turkey’s Bosphorus Strait on 28 November 2025, when a blast hit a tanker and subsequently caught fire. According to Reuters, the explosion occurred in the northern section of the strait, a critical maritime route connecting the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. Authorities quickly mobilised emergency response teams to contain the fire and prevent environmental damage.
The tanker involved in the explosion and fire north of Turkey’s Bosphorus Strait is named Kairos. It was sailing under the Gambian flag, in ballast, and was approximately 52 miles north of the Bosphorus when the incident occurred. Reports suggest the vessel may have struck a mine and is at risk of sinking. Turkish authorities have dispatched rescue tugboats and coast guard units to assist.
Below are the General particulars of the Tanker:
- Name: KAIROS
- IMO Number: 9236004
- MMSI: 629009598
- Call Sign: C5J700
- Flag: Gambia
- Type: Crude Oil Tanker (Suezmax class)
- Year Built: 2002
- Length Overall (LOA): 274 m
- Beam (Width): 48 m
- Summer Deadweight (DWT): 149,989 tonnes
- Gross Tonnage (GT): 78,845
- Draft (Summer): ~15.96 m
Other Details
- Former Names: Filikon (2021), Paros (2004)
- Home Port: (Not publicly disclosed, sails under Gambia flag)
- Classification: Suezmax tanker, designed for long-haul crude oil transport.
The registered owner of the crude oil tanker KAIROS (IMO 9236004) is Alafia Trading Ltd, a company based in Shanghai, China. This entity also acts as the vessel’s ISM manager and commercial manager.
What Happened?
- Location: Northern Bosphorus Strait, near Istanbul.
- Incident: A tanker experienced a powerful blast, followed by a fire.
- Response: Turkish coast guard and firefighting vessels were deployed to extinguish the flames and secure the area.
- Traffic Impact: The Bosphorus Strait, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, was temporarily closed to maritime traffic, causing delays for vessels carrying oil and other cargo.
Possible Causes
While investigations are ongoing, initial reports suggest:
- Mechanical Failure or Explosion: Early speculation points to an engine room malfunction or a fuel-related blast.
- External Factors: Authorities have not ruled out other causes, but there is no confirmation of foul play at this stage.
Why It Matters
The Bosphorus Strait is a vital chokepoint for global trade:
- Energy Transport: Millions of barrels of oil and petroleum products pass through this route annually.
- Geopolitical Sensitivity: Any disruption here can impact energy markets and shipping costs worldwide.
- Environmental Risk: A tanker fire raises concerns about oil spills and marine pollution in a densely populated region.
Current Status
As per Reuters, firefighting efforts are ongoing, and the situation is under control. No casualties have been reported so far, and authorities are working to reopen the strait for safe navigation.
Implications for Maritime Industry
- Shipping Delays: Temporary closure of the Bosphorus could affect delivery schedules for oil and bulk cargo.
- Insurance and Safety Reviews: Incidents like this often lead to stricter safety protocols and higher insurance premiums for vessels operating in high-traffic waterways.
- Market Reaction: Energy traders are monitoring the situation closely for potential price fluctuations.
The Maritime-Hub Editorial Team
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Maritime-Hub. Readers are advised to research this information before making decisions based on it.
