Italy monitors damaged Russian LNG tanker in Mediterranean
Italian officials monitor a damaged Russian LNG tanker drifting in the Mediterranean. The vessel is in international waters as authorities weigh recovery options.
Authorities in Italy are currently evaluating options for a disabled Russia liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker that has been left adrift in the Mediterranean Sea following a reported drone strike. The vessel, known as the Arctic Metagaz, was carrying fuel from the Arctic port of Murmansk when it was allegedly hit by naval drones launched from the coast of Libya. While officials in Ukraine have not claimed responsibility for the operation, Moscow has attributed the attack to Kyiv's forces.
The Italian navy confirmed that the ship is currently located in international waters, approximately 30 nautical miles off the island of Linosa. Despite earlier reports suggesting the tanker had sunk, it remains afloat and is being closely monitored by a tugboat and an environmental response vessel. Filippo Mannino, the mayor of Lampedusa, stated that the situation remains under control.
The ship is in international waters and the navy, a tugboat and an environmental response vessel are escorting it.
The incident has raised concerns within the global energy sector, where major players such as Cheniere Energy, Inc. and service providers like Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. monitor security developments that could impact maritime supply chains. The Arctic Metagaz was reportedly struck south of Malta, leading to the evacuation of all 30 crew members.
Italian sources indicate that the vessel sustained significant damage above the waterline, with a visible hole on its port side. While the hull appears to be holding, the stern is sitting lower in the water. Authorities are hesitant to allow the ship to dock at any domestic ports, citing the volatile nature of the remaining cargo. The preferred outcome involves the vessel's manager, LLC SMP Techmanagement, arranging for a specialized towing service to move the tanker to a secure location.
Maritime authorities in Malta have warned other vessels to maintain a five-nautical-mile buffer zone around the drifting tanker. Prime Minister Robert Abela confirmed that his administration is prepared to take action if the situation poses a direct threat to regional safety.
Malta's government was ready to act if necessary.
This event follows a pattern of strikes against energy infrastructure since the beginning of the conflict in 2022, as efforts continue to disrupt the funding of military operations through the targeting of oil and gas assets.
