Concerns Rise Over Russian Shadow Fleet Near Malta Following Tanker Attack
· Updated
In brief
- PN leader Alex Borg urged the EU to act against the "Arctic Metagaz" tanker, citing environmental and security risks.
- The tanker was reportedly attacked by aerial and maritime drones in the Mediterranean.
- Sanctioned Russian "shadow fleet" tankers continue to anchor at Hurd's Bank, outside Maltese waters, for suspected illegal oil trading.
Concerns have been raised regarding the presence of Russian "shadow fleet" tankers near Malta, particularly following a recent attack on one such vessel, the Arctic Metagaz. Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg has called on the European Union to take immediate and concrete action against the Arctic Metagaz, describing it as a "floating time bomb."
Mr Borg highlighted potential environmental and security risks, possible disruptions to supply chains, and the wider regional impact of military tensions between Israel and Iran. The Arctic Metagaz, a Russian LNG carrier, has been drifting in the Mediterranean for the past two weeks.
Defence experts suggest the tanker was first hit by a small number of aerial drones, followed by a more powerful attack from a maritime drone.
Despite this incident, at least two sanctioned Russian shadow fleet tankers, named Fair Breeze and Uluc Ka, have been observed anchoring at Hurd’s Bank. Hurd's Bank is an area outside Malta's territorial waters. These vessels are believed to be involved in illegal oil trading operations. Another sanctioned tanker, the Mirador, was also seen travelling towards Egypt. The continued presence of these tankers raises ongoing concerns about maritime security and environmental protection in the region.
The Spin Room
Low media divide. News outlets reported on the PN leader's concerns about the Arctic Metagaz and the ongoing presence of Russian shadow fleet tankers near Malta.