Drifting Russian LNG Tanker Poses Explosion Risk, Italy Warns

Italian officials have issued an urgent warning regarding a sanctioned Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker that is currently adrift in the Mediterranean Sea. Authorities are concerned that the vessel could detonate at any moment, potentially leading to a major ecological disaster.

The tanker, identified as Arctic Metagaz and part of Russia's 'shadow fleet' used for transporting sanctioned energy products, sustained significant damage from a suspected sea drone attack near Maltese waters earlier this month. With a large gash in its hull and no crew on board, the vessel's stability and safety are major concerns.

Italy, in conjunction with eight other European Union member states, has appealed to the European Commission for immediate intervention, highlighting the tanker as a serious environmental hazard. An Italian representative described the vessel as an "environmental bomb" on the verge of detonation.

Speaking on Italy’s Radio 24, Secretary of the Council of Ministers, Alfredo Mantovano, emphasized the "enormous" dangers associated with the adrift tanker, stating it could "explode at any moment."

The Arctic Metagaz is reported to be carrying a substantial amount of LNG, along with approximately 450 tonnes of fuel oil and 250 tonnes of diesel, which escalates the potential impact of any explosion or environmental leak.

The tanker is currently moving southward, away from Italian waters and the island of Lampedusa, and heading towards Libya. Italian and Maltese authorities are maintaining close surveillance. As of Tuesday afternoon, the vessel was approximately 45 nautical miles from Italian territorial waters and 25 miles from Libya’s search-and-rescue area.

The Arctic Metagaz had departed from Murmansk, Russia, in February and experienced a series of explosions and a fire in early March. Russian President Vladimir Putin attributed the incident to a "terrorist attack" by Ukraine, although Kyiv has not officially commented on the accusation.

Ukraine, however, has consistently argued that such 'shadow fleet' vessels, which often operate with transponders deactivated to circumvent Western sanctions and fund Russia's war effort, are legitimate targets. Russia has continued its attacks on Ukraine's civilian energy infrastructure since the commencement of its full-scale invasion.

This incident follows reports of an increase in drone attacks targeting Russian tankers. In December, Ukraine's SBU intelligence service claimed responsibility for damaging three vessels in the Black Sea within a two-week period, including the Dashan, which it stated suffered critical damage. Shortly thereafter, the Quendil oil tanker was also struck in the Mediterranean, though it was reportedly empty at the time.

It has been two weeks since the Arctic Metagaz sustained critical damage. While initial reports from Libyan port officials suggested the tanker had sunk, it has remained afloat and continues to drift, posing an ongoing risk without a crew. The crew members were rescued by the Libyan coastguard following the initial incident.

Environmental organizations, including the World Wildlife Fund, have declared a "maximum alert" status for the situation. They have warned that any potential spill or explosion could trigger fires and long-term pollution in a region noted for its "exceptional ecological value" and its status as a habitat for numerous protected marine species.