A Russian LNG tanker drifting in the Mediterranean is raising serious environmental concerns as authorities warn the vessel could trigger a major marine pollution disaster. The Arctic Metagaz, a liquefied natural gas carrier, has been drifting without crew since 3 March 2026 after several explosions and a fire damaged the ship while sailing between Malta and Libya. The tanker was carrying around 60,000 tonnes of liquefied natural gas, along with hundreds of tonnes of fuel. Experts warn that if the vessel’s structure deteriorates or its fuel tanks rupture, significant pollution could spread across the central Mediterranean Sea, threatening fragile marine ecosystems and coastal waters.
A growing ecological threat in the central Mediterranean
The crew of about 30 sailors was evacuated shortly after the incident, leaving the damaged tanker drifting between Malta, Sicily and Lampedusa, one of the busiest maritime areas in the region. European countries including Italy, France, Spain and Greece have alerted the European Commission about the growing environmental risk. Beyond the potential explosion hazard linked to the LNG cargo, the ship’s fuel reserves represent a serious marine pollution threat that could affect fisheries, tourism and coastal habitats across the Mediterranean basin.
A drifting tanker linked to Russia’s shadow fleet
The Arctic Metagaz is believed to be part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, a network of ships used to transport energy exports despite Western sanctions. After drifting for nearly two weeks, the damaged LNG tanker reportedly moved toward Libyan waters, complicating any potential salvage operation or international response. Maritime authorities have issued navigation warnings around the vessel while monitoring the situation closely. Experts warn that if the tanker breaks apart or begins leaking fuel, the incident could become one of the most serious pollution threats seen in the Mediterranean in recent years.
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