Russia’s military sealift ship, the M/V Ursa Major, sank off the coast of Spain on Christmas Eve, causing a major blow to Moscow’s struggling shipbuilding industry. The 13,000-ton vessel, built by Germany and operated by Kremlin-backed Oboronlogistika, was just 15 years old when it suffered a catastrophic engine room blast.
The ship, which had specialized cargo holds with roll-on/roll-off ramps and cranes for vertical loading, was on its way to Vladivostok from Saint Petersburg. Its sinking is a significant loss for Russia’s battered naval industry and has raised concerns about the country’s ability to maintain its maritime presence in key regions.
The Ursa Major had previously supported Russia’s military operations in Syria, but it is not clear if this incident was related to that role. The ship’s cranes and cargo, including nuclear-powered icebreakers, were among the items lost in the disaster.
Russia’s military logistics company has faced significant challenges in recent years, and the sinking of the Ursa Major is a further blow to its reputation. The incident highlights the risks and complexities involved in Russia’s maritime operations, particularly in the face of increasing competition from other nations.
Sources: TASS, WarshipCam, Portuguese air force
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/12/24/russian-shipbuilding-evidently-disrupted-as-unique-sealift-ship-sinks