European nations call for urgency as Arctic Metagaz drifts towards disaster
Environmentalists warn the damaged Arctic Metagaz poses a high risk of explosion, with significant fuel still onboard, raising concerns of long-term ecological damage.
Italy’s government is preparing emergency measures, pledging to coordinate with EU partners to address the potential environmental threat posed by the drifting Arctic Metagaz.
As of 18 March 2026, the Arctic Metagaz is drifting in international waters, with Malta’s rescue teams on standby for potential intervention if it nears territorial waters.
Key developments
According to Russian reports, the vessel Arctic Metagaz is experiencing ongoing hull damage, with increased roll and gas emissions detected on board, raising explosion risks.
Environmentalists have dubbed the ship a “floating time bomb,” warning that any leak could severely impact the Mediterranean’s biodiversity-rich region, prompting concern from several European governments.
The vessel is currently adrift between Malta and the Italian islands, complicating responsibility for intervention. Russia claims control while emphasising that coastal states should prevent environmental damage.
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Hull damage and crew evacuation
According to Russian reports, pops continue to be heard on board, gas emissions have been recorded, roll has increased, and localised fires have broken out in some compartments. At the time of the crew evacuation, 450 tonnes of fuel oil, 250 tonnes of diesel fuel and significant volumes of natural gas remained in the tanks, which significantly increases the risk of an emergency development up to explosion.
Environmental risks and Europe’s response
Environmentalists have labelled the Arctic Metagaz a “floating time bomb” and warned that a leak or explosion could cause long-term damage to one of the Mediterranean’s most biodiversity-rich areas. Experts note that the damaged hull and ongoing internal processes make the situation unpredictable.
Leading environmental NGO WWF emphasised that possible contamination may have consequences for years to come.
European governments are also concerned about the situation: Italy, France and seven other EU countries have sent a joint appeal to the European Commission, warning of an “immediate and serious danger” to the region.
Legal uncertainty
The vessel is drifting between Malta and the Italian islands of Lampedusa and Linosa while remaining in international waters, complicating the question of who should take responsibility for intervening.
Rescue teams are already in Malta, ready for possible intervention if the ship approaches the country’s territorial waters. However, the question of who exactly should act remains a matter of diplomatic dispute.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow controls the situation as a flag state, but emphasised that international norms place responsibility for preventing environmental damage on coastal states.
While it is being discussed who exactly should take decisive action, the Arctic Metagaz continues its uncontrolled drift and the risk of a serious environmental incident remains high.