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Italy weighs options as damaged Russian LNG tanker drifts in the Mediterranean
The Arctic Metagaz, carrying 900 tons of diesel and two gas tanks, drifts near Mediterranean islands after a Ukrainian drone attack, raising safety and environmental concerns.
- On March 13, 2026, Transport Malta said the damaged Russian liquefied natural gas tanker Arctic Metagaz is drifting west of Malta and appears to be approaching Lampedusa, with TradeWinds placing it roughly 61 nautical miles offshore.
- An apparent attack damaged the vessel last week, with Russia's transport ministry blaming Ukrainian naval drones launched from the Libyan coast, though Kyiv has not claimed responsibility.
- The vessel's crew were evacuated after the attack, leaving the 30 crew members aboard the tanker abandoned, while images on Sunday March 8 showed massive damage and gas still onboard.
- Transport Malta warned mariners to stay clear and listed the ship as 'not under command', Italy is escorting the vessel while refusing docking, calling it 'ticking time bomb filled with gas'.
- Amid broader sanctions context, the tanker is linked to Russia's 'shadow fleet', first tracked by Maltese authorities on March 4 when it was about 150 nautical miles away, and it remains afloat near Linosa.
43 Articles
43 Articles
The Arctic Metagaz wanders between the Pelagie and Malta islands, on board even 900 tons of naphtha. Summit in Chigi: "Follow with Valletta"
A Russian tanker carrying diesel and natural gas was attacked by Ukraine. 30 crew members were rescued, and the capsized tanker is moving towards Malta.
The Russian LNG tanker "Arctic Metagaz" duffles further uncrewed in front of Malta. And always throws up new puzzles. How risky is the freighter and what happens now?
The damaged Russian tanker carrying liquefied natural gas has been sailing without a crew in the southern Mediterranean for several days and is currently believed to be in Maltese waters, according to media reports. Maltese authorities have warned that the Arctic Metagaz tanker could pose a danger to shipping. The government in Rome has provided support to Malta.
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