Mediterranean States Urge Swift Action to Address Adrift Russian Tanker
A Russian liquefied natural gas tanker, Arctic Metagaz, damaged earlier this month and currently adrift without crew, floats in international waters in the Mediterranean Sea between Malta and Italy.
The vessel’s precarious condition, combined with the nature of its specialized cargo, poses a “dual challenge” – upholding maritime safety and preventing an ecological disaster. The European Union (EU) has imposed sanctions on Russia in connection with its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and the Arctic Metagaz is part of Russia’s “Shadow Fleet” intended to circumvent these sanctions.
EU States Express Concern Over Ecological Threat
Italy, France, and seven other nations have told the European Commission that the adrift Russian tanker represents an ecological threat. In a letter seen by Reuters, they urged swift action to address the situation. The letter stated that the Arctic Metagaz was drifting in waters between Malta and Italy, posing a “dual challenge” – upholding maritime safety and preventing an ecological disaster.
The EU states emphasized that the vessel’s state posed a significant risk of a major ecological disaster in the heart of the Union’s maritime space. They also highlighted the importance of upholding maritime safety, as the Arctic Metagaz is carrying 700 metric tons of different types of fuel and “a substantial amount of natural gas.”
Russian Foreign Ministry Responds to Concerns
Russia’s Foreign Ministry acknowledged that the vessel was adrift in the Mediterranean and said Russia’s further involvement in resolving the situation depended on “concrete circumstances.” The ministry stated that Moscow was in touch with the vessel’s owner and foreign “competent bodies” and had no crew. It also emphasized that the international legal norms applicable to the current situation implied the responsibility of coastal countries for resolving the situation with the drifting vessel and preventing an environmental disaster.
Context: Russia’s Shadow Fleet
The Arctic Metagaz is part of Russia’s “Shadow Fleet,” a network of ships used to circumvent international sanctions against Russia. The EU has imposed sanctions on Russia in connection with its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and the Shadow Fleet is intended to enable Russia to continue trading despite these sanctions.
Conclusion
The situation surrounding the adrift Russian tanker highlights the importance of cooperation between nations to address ecological threats and uphold maritime safety. As the vessel continues to drift without crew, it remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved.
Original Article: Mediterranean states say adrift Russian tanker poses ‘imminent and serious’ threat | Reuters — Reuters