Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Kazakhstan resolutely condemns the drone attacks on civilian vessels involved in legitimate oil transportation through the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) infrastructure in the Black Sea on July 17 and 19. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
"We consider such attacks as an unacceptable encroachment on Kazakhstan's economic interests, as well as targeted actions to destabilize legitimate international trade, global energy markets, and the security of global transport and logistics supply chains," the ministry said.
"Our particular concern is caused by the fact that the previously agreed mechanism for exchanging information on civilian vessels entering the Black Sea to load oil at CPC terminals was deliberately ignored, endangering the lives and safety of civilian crews," the statement added.
The ministry emphasized that Kazakhstan demands an immediate cessation of attacks and the adoption of comprehensive measures to ensure the security of Kazakhstan's hydrocarbon export infrastructure.
"We strongly urge partner countries to resolutely condemn these attacks and invite all interested parties to develop practical measures. We proceed from the fact that only strict compliance with international law will prevent the recurrence of such incidents," diplomats said.
Currently, the Kazakh side is conducting a comprehensive assessment of the damage caused. Based on its results, Kazakhstan reserves the right to use all mechanisms provided by international law to protect its legitimate interests, including claims for compensation.
The ministry also stressed that Kazakhstan emphasizes the lack of alternatives to peaceful conflict resolution and reaffirms its commitment to the principles of international law, freedom of navigation, and ensuring the reliable functioning of international transport, logistics, and energy routes.
Earlier, Kursiv reported that Kazakhstan's Energy Ministry made a statement regarding the drone attack on tankers. Additionally, drones attacked the CPC marine terminal, halting the loading of Kazakh oil.
According to CPC, during loading operations at the offshore mooring facilities VPU-1 and VPU-3, drones attacked the tankers ASIA and NISSOS IOS. The first carried oil from Tengizchevroil (Chevron), and the second carried oil from Kashagan B.V. and Maten (NC KazMunayGas JSC).
The attack caused a fire on the ASIA tanker, which was quickly extinguished by CPC emergency services.
"Oil loading has been stopped. There are no casualties among CPC employees or contractors. No oil spill occurred. Crew members did not request medical assistance. The tankers remain afloat; damage assessment is underway," the consortium's press service said.
CPC called the incident a targeted terrorist attack and stated that the strike on the marine terminal and civilian vessels affects the interests of all consortium member countries.
"This is the fifth act of direct aggression against a purely civilian CPC facility protected by international law," the company said.
The consortium emphasized that CPC plays a key role in ensuring global energy security. The pipeline system transports oil from Kazakhstan's largest fields — Tengiz, Kashagan, and Karachaganak.
In 2025, about 70.5 million tons of oil were transshipped through the terminal, with over 75% of this volume coming from the world's largest shippers, including Tengizchevroil (Chevron), ExxonMobil, KazMunayGas, Eni, and Shell.