Italy Weighs Options for Damaged Russian Tanker

Italian authorities are evaluating options for a damaged Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker, the Arctic Metagaz, which is currently adrift in international waters of the Mediterranean Sea as of March 13, 2026. The vessel, carrying LNG from Murmansk, was reportedly attacked by Ukrainian naval drones last week, according to Russia's transport ministry. The incident occurred south of Malta, leading to the evacuation of all 30 crew members.

The Arctic Metagaz sustained significant damage above the waterline, with a gaping hole on its port side, though its hull remains intact. The tanker is drifting between Malta and the Italian islands of Lampedusa and Linosa, approximately 30 nautical miles off Linosa. The Italian navy, a tugboat, and an environmental response vessel are currently escorting the ship, which is being monitored to prevent it from entering Italian waters.

Italy is reluctant to allow the tanker to dock at its ports due to safety concerns, describing it as a "ticking time bomb filled with gas." Authorities are considering solutions, with a preference for the vessel's manager, Russia-based LLC SMP Techmanagement, to arrange for a specialized company to tow it to safety. Malta's transport authority has issued warnings for other ships to maintain a five-nautical-mile distance from the Arctic Metagaz.