Russian drones damaged the Kernel terminal in Chornomorsk, causing a spill of over 1,100 tons of oil
4 May 23:43
Russian drones attacked port infrastructure in Chornomorsk, Odesa Oblast. The Kernel vegetable oil transshipment terminal was hit. As a result of direct hits, one tank was destroyed, and other tanks, equipment, offices, and logistics infrastructure were damaged. Kernel’s press service reported on the consequences of the attack, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
According to the company, over 1,100 tons of product leaked due to damage to the tanks. The leak was quickly contained: Kernel emphasizes that the oil did not reach the sea and there is no threat to the environment.
What happened in Chornomorsk
Russian drones struck the port infrastructure in Chornomorsk on the night of May 2. One of the targets was Kernel’s oil terminal, which is used for transshipping vegetable oil.
As a result of the attack, one oil storage tank was completely destroyed, while others were damaged. Production facilities, office spaces, and the terminal’s logistics infrastructure also sustained damage.
Over 1,100 tons of oil leaked
Due to damage to the tanks, over 1,100 tons of vegetable oil leaked
Kernel stated that the spill was quickly contained. According to the company, the product did not reach the sea, so there is no threat to the environment.
The strike caused a massive fire that engulfed part of the terminal’s production facilities. According to Kernel, the fire was quickly extinguished.
As a result of the attack and fire, the following were damaged:
- oil storage tanks;
- production equipment;
- office premises;
- logistics infrastructure;
- four rail tank cars.
Work is currently underway to address the aftermath of the attack and assess the extent of the damage.
One employee of the company was injured in the attack. He sustained moderate injuries from debris.
The company reported that the employee received the necessary medical care and his life is not in danger.
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The terminal has temporarily suspended operations
Due to significant damage, the Kernel terminal in Chornomorsk has temporarily suspended the receipt and shipment of products.
Despite this, the company states that it continues to fulfill export contracts. To do so, Kernel is utilizing alternative logistics routes:
- partner port terminals in Odesa;
- Danube ports;
- land logistics;
- rail transport.
This approach should allow the company to maintain product deliveries to customers, despite the temporary loss of operational capacity at the terminal in Chornomorsk.
Why the attack on Kernel matters
Kernel is one of the key players in Ukrainian agricultural exports. The company is the world’s largest producer and exporter of sunflower oil, as well as one of the largest grain exporters from Ukraine.
According to the company, in fiscal year 2025, Kernel exported approximately 8 million tons of agricultural products, and its share of global sunflower oil exports is about 10%.
Therefore, attacks on such terminals have more than just local consequences. They affect Ukrainian agricultural logistics, export flows, foreign exchange earnings, and the stability of food supplies to foreign markets.
Russia continues to target port infrastructure
The attack on the Kernel terminal was part of Russia’s systematic strikes on port infrastructure in the Odesa region.
Previously, drones repeatedly attacked ports in the Greater Odesa area and along the Danube, damaging piers, warehouses, ships, storage tanks, and logistics facilities.
Following one of the previous attacks on the port of Chornomorsk, specialists were already cleaning up the spill of sunflower oil, with specialized equipment and port services brought in to assist
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