Russia has largely repelled an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on the key Black Sea port of Novorossiysk.

The terminal was operating as normal after the incident on Wednesday, the local administration said, according to the Interfax news agency.

“There are no restrictions. Shipping goes as normal,” a statement read.

The port is Russia’s largest in the Black Sea, and is vital for crude and oil product exports, as well as handling grain, coal, fertilisers, containers and more.

It is also the site of the CPC pipeline outlet, which moves a blend of mainly Kazakh crude to world markets.

The city’s mayor, Andrei Kravchenko, restricted access to beaches on Wednesday before reopening them.

He said two commercial properties and one apartment block suffered “insignificant” damage in the attacks.

No injuries were reported.

The Russian defence ministry said it destroyed two sea drones heading in the direction of the port.

Russia has reported repeated attacks on Black Sea ports, allegedly by Ukraine, but few details are usually given.

Novorossiysk suffered a similar drone strike in May 2023, forcing a temporary halt to loadings.

Reuters said loadings of Urals, Kebco and Siberian Light crude at the terminal are scheduled to be between 1.7m and 1.8m tonnes this month.

Russia’s Black Sea naval fleet is also based in Novorossiysk.

Ukrainian forces have been targeting Russian refineries in recent months to hurt its energy infrastructure.