Sanctioned Russian LNG Carrier Struck by Kamikaze Drone in Central Mediterranean en Route to Suez Canal

The sanctioned Russian-controlled LNG carrier Arctic Metagaz (138,028 cu m, built 2003) was set ablaze in a suspected kamikaze drone strike in the central Mediterranean while transiting toward the Suez Canal. The incident marks a significant escalation of attack risk on a major trade artery and is likely to trigger immediate war risk insurance premium increases for vessels operating in the region. Logistics operators should reassess transit risk and contingency routing for LNG, tanker, and general cargo shipments through the central Mediterranean and Suez corridor.