The Altura tanker, carrying a potential 140,000 tons of oil, was attacked by drones near the Bosporus Strait, raising concerns about sanctions evasion.
Tanker’s Route and Cargo
Vesselfinder data shows the Altura tanker departed Novorossiysk on March 21st, and is managed by Turkish firm Pergamon Denizcilik Isletmeleri AS. Turkish portal PatronlarDunyasi reports the vessel may have been carrying 140,000 tons of oil.
Drone Attack and Damage
The tanker, identified as part of a “shadow fleet,” was attacked by drones approximately 14 miles from the Bosporus Strait in Istanbul. The attack caused damage to the upper deck and engine room, prompting the crew to call for assistance. The vessel Erdek responded, reporting water ingress into the engine room, but no injuries.
Ownership Changes and Sanctions History
According to HaberDenizde, the Altura was previously named Besiktas Dardanelles and operated by Besiktas Maritime. In May 2024, it was acquired by Kayseri Shipping and renamed Kayseri, then sold to Pergamon Maritime in November 2025 and renamed Altura. The War and Sanctions portal, linked to Ukrainian intelligence, noted these changes occurred after sanctions were imposed.
The Altura was sanctioned by the European Union on October 24, 2025, followed by Switzerland and Ukraine on December 13, 2025, and the United Kingdom on February 24, 2026. War and Sanctions identifies the vessel as belonging to a “shadow fleet” used to circumvent Western sanctions against Russia.
Iraanian Connections and Sanctioned Individuals
Hector Varela De Leon, founder of Kayseri Shipping, was added to the U.S. sanctions list in July 2025 due to his involvement in the Iranian oil sector. War and Sanctions reports he is linked to companies controlled by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, son of Ali Shamkhani, a senior political advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader.
Ali Shamkhani reportedly died in attacks on Iran beginning February 28th, as reported by the Times of Israel. The War and Sanctions portal states this shipping empire consists of a fleet, ship management companies, and front companies that sell Iranian and Russian oil, primarily to China.
Shared Management and Previous Sanctions
Another tanker, IMO 9290373, previously owned by Varela De Leon and also sanctioned, is now managed by the same company as the Altura – Pergamon Denizcilik Isletmeleri AS.
