Finance
Italy weighs options as damaged Russian LNG tanker drifts in the mediterranean
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 13, 2026
3 min readLast updated: March 13, 2026
Quick Summary
A Russian LNG tanker, Arctic Metagaz, was severely damaged—likely by a Ukrainian naval drone strike—and is now drifting in the Mediterranean between Italy and Malta. Italian authorities are weighing options to avoid docking the vessel, deemed a safety and environmental hazard.
Italy Weighs Steps as Damaged Russian LNG Tanker Drifts Near Italian Waters
Italian Authorities Respond to Russian LNG Tanker Incident
By Angelo Amante and Matteo Negri
ROME, March 13 (Reuters) - Italian authorities are weighing how to deal with a Russian liquefied natural gas tanker left adrift in the Mediterranean after what Moscow described as a Ukrainian drone attack, sources said on Friday.
Russia's transport ministry said the Arctic Metagaz, carrying LNG from the Arctic port of Murmansk, was attacked last week by Ukrainian naval drones launched from the Libyan coast. Kyiv has not claimed responsibility.
Libya's maritime rescue agency initially said the tanker had sunk, but the vessel has remained afloat and is now drifting between Italy and Malta, around 30 nautical miles off the small Italian island of Linosa, the Italian navy said.
"The situation is under control. The ship is in international waters and the navy, a tugboat and an environmental response vessel are escorting it," said Filippo Mannino, mayor of Lampedusa, which includes Linosa.
Extent of Damage and Immediate Risks
Massive Damage Above Waterline
MASSIVE DAMAGE ABOVE WATERLINE
Two Italian sources said it was still unclear how much LNG and fuel remained aboard the tanker. The 30 crew members were evacuated after the attack, which the sources said occurred south of Malta.
One source said all options were being considered, but the preferred solution would be for the vessel's manager, Russia-based LLC SMP Techmanagement, to hire a specialised company to tow it to safety.
Italy does not want the tanker to dock at one of its ports, the source said, describing it as a "ticking time bomb filled with gas".
It added that the drone appeared to have struck the ship above the waterline. The hull was still holding, although photos showed a gaping hole on the port side, with the stern sitting lower in the water than the rest of the ship.
Monitoring and Safety Measures
Italian and Maltese Response
A spokesperson for Italy's Civil Protection agency said the vessel was being monitored and was not heading towards Italian waters.
The boat got as close as 22 nautical miles to Malta's coast earlier this week, but now appeared to be drifting away, and was reported about 61 nautical miles offshore by Thursday.
Malta's transport authority warned other ships to keep at least five nautical miles away from the Arctic Metagaz at all times. Prime Minister Robert Abela said Malta's government was ready to act if necessary, without giving details.
Broader Context
Impact of Russia-Ukraine Conflict on Energy Infrastructure
Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Kyiv has repeatedly targeted Russian oil refineries and other energy infrastructure in an effort to undermine funding for Moscow's war machine.
Additional Reporting
(Additional reporting by Christopher Scicluna in Valletta; Editing by Crispian Balmer and Ros Russell)
Key Takeaways
- •The Arctic Metagaz, under Western sanctions and linked to Russia’s “shadow fleet,” was reportedly struck by a Ukrainian naval drone near Malta, causing major fire damage and hull breach. (en.wikipedia.org)
- •All 30 crew were safely evacuated. The vessel is now adrift in international waters between Italy and Malta. Italian navy, tugboat, and environmental vessels are escorting it, while Italy insists it should not dock at its ports. (en.wikipedia.org)
- •Malta has issued navigation warnings and prepared contingency plans should the tanker drift within 12 nautical miles of its shores. Italy prefers the ship’s Russian manager to arrange towing—labeling the damaged LNG carrier a “ticking time bomb.” (italpress.com)
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Italy weighs options as damaged Russian LNG tanker drifts in the Mediterranean
1What happened to the Russian LNG tanker Arctic Metagaz in the Mediterranean?
The Arctic Metagaz was reportedly attacked by Ukrainian naval drones and is now drifting between Italy and Malta with significant above-waterline damage.
2How are Italian authorities responding to the drifting LNG tanker?
Italian navy vessels, a tugboat, and an environmental response ship are monitoring and escorting the tanker, considering towing or other measures, but do not want it to dock.
3Is there any risk of environmental hazard from the LNG tanker?
There is ongoing monitoring, but it remains unclear how much LNG and fuel are left on board. The vessel is seen as a potential risk due to its cargo.
4What is the current location of the Arctic Metagaz?
The tanker is drifting in international waters between Italy and Malta, approximately 30 nautical miles from Linosa, Italy.
5Has Ukraine claimed responsibility for the attack on the LNG tanker?
No, Kyiv has not claimed responsibility for the naval drone attack on the Arctic Metagaz.