Malta has activated an emergency contingency plan as the damaged Russian LNG tanker Arctic Metagaz continues drifting in the central Mediterranean, raising fears that the vessel could approach Maltese waters by Sunday evening or Monday.
The 244-metre-long Russian-flagged tanker was struck in a suspected drone or missile attack in international waters southeast of Malta on 3 March. Although early reports from Libya suggested the vessel had sunk, Maltese authorities later confirmed it remained afloat and drifting around 50 nautical miles from Malta.
Sources said Transport Malta has engaged an international salvage company to draw up an intervention plan aimed at protecting Malta’s interests should the situation worsen. Tugboats have been placed on standby, while the Armed Forces of Malta has been conducting regular surveillance flights over the vessel to monitor its movements.
Authorities fear changing wind conditions could push the tanker towards the west coast of Gozo, prompting close coordination between Malta and Italy. On the Maltese side, the response is being led by Transport Malta in collaboration with the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the AFM and the Civil Protection Department. Officials have also been in contact with the European Commission as they assess possible next steps.
Among the options being considered is towing the vessel further out to sea to prevent it from entering Maltese territorial waters, though sources cautioned that no final decision has been taken due to the risks involved. It is still considered unsafe to board the tanker, with explosions reportedly continuing until Friday.
The Arctic Metagaz was carrying around 140,000 cubic metres of LNG, with two of its four gas tanks still intact after the blast. It is also believed to have between 700 and 900 tonnes of diesel fuel on board, increasing concerns over the potential environmental impact if the situation deteriorates.
Transport Malta’s Ports and Yachting Directorate has already issued a notice to mariners instructing vessels to keep at least five nautical miles away from the tanker.
The vessel’s sanctioned status adds further legal and logistical complications. Both the European Union and the United States have sanctioned the Arctic Metagaz as part of Russia’s shadow fleet, which has been used to transport oil and gas outside normal Western insurance and ownership structures.