LNG Carrier ‘Arctic Metagaz’ Sinks After Suspected Attack in Mediterranean
On March 3, 2026, at 4 a.m. local time, the LNG carrier ‘Arctic Metagaz’ sank in the Mediterranean Sea after experiencing multiple explosions. The vessel, carrying approximately 62,000 tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG), was en route to the Suez Canal after departing from Murmansk on February 24. The explosions occurred about 150 nautical miles southeast of Malta, near Hurd’s Bank. Initial suspicions suggest that an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) may have caused the incident, although this has not been verified. The Libyan Maritime Transport and Port Authority issued a maritime advisory regarding the situation, highlighting potential environmental risks from a possible LNG or fuel leak.
The tanker experienced significant damage, with one cargo compartment completely blown open. Fortunately, the crew of 30 Russian nationals managed to abandon the vessel in a lifeboat and were later rescued by another commercial ship nearby. No distress signal was sent before the sinking, and there is currently no information on the condition of the crew or the cargo. Maritime patrol aircraft from Malta and Turkey were deployed to monitor the situation and assess navigation risks in the area.
Investigation and Background of the Incident
The ‘Arctic Metagaz’ had deactivated its Automatic Identification System (AIS) tracker approximately 300 kilometers from the incident site, as it sought to evade sanctions enforcement while sailing at a speed of 16 knots. This practice, often referred to as “spoofing,” is a violation of international maritime law. The ship last reported its position about 30 nautical miles off Malta’s northeastern coast on March 2. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the explosions and urging nearby shipping traffic to exercise caution.
The vessel has faced scrutiny in the past. Built in 2003, the ‘Arctic Metagaz’ has operated under various names and flags, including Palau and Curaçao, before registering under the Russian flag in April 2025. The ship is associated with Russia’s Arctic LNG 2 project, which has been targeted by international sanctions due to its strategic importance to the Russian government. Sanctions have complicated operations, leading to increased risks for vessels linked to this project.
Russia says two missing after cargo ship sinks in Mediterranean
Continued Operations of Russian LNG Fleet Amidst Conflict
Despite the incident, Russia’s Arctic LNG shadow fleet continues to operate, with several tankers navigating the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. These vessels are transporting LNG to Asia, even as many global shipping operators are avoiding the region due to rising security concerns. Recent reports indicate that at least seven tankers are currently utilizing this route, showcasing Russia’s determination to maintain its LNG exports despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The ‘Arctic Metagaz’ incident underscores the vulnerabilities of Russia’s shadow fleet and the challenges faced in its LNG operations, particularly in the face of sanctions and regional instability. Authorities and maritime experts are closely monitoring the situation, as these developments could have significant implications for global energy markets and environmental safety.
