Explosives Found On LPG Tanker At Russia’s Ust-Luga Port In Alleged Sabotage Attempt

Russia’s security services said magnetic explosive devices were found attached to a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker at the Baltic Sea port of Ust-Luga Port, leading authorities to open a criminal investigation into an alleged attempted terrorist attack.

The Liberia-flagged tanker Arrhenius had arrived at Ust-Luga from Belgium’s port of Antwerp to load LPG cargo before sailing to the Turkish port of Samsun, according to Russian officials.

Russia’s Federal Security Service, the FSB, said divers discovered magnetic objects showing signs of explosive devices attached near the vessel’s engine room during an inspection of the ship’s hull.

The explosives were later defused in a joint operation involving the FSB, Russia’s Defence Ministry and the National Guard, officials said.

Russia’s Investigative Committee of Russia said the devices were factory-made magnetic naval mines produced in a NATO member state. NATO denied the allegation, with an official saying the alliance had not mined any tanker.

Russian investigators said the Arrhenius entered Ust-Luga on May 20 after departing from Antwerp.

According to the FSB, the vessel had remained at anchorage for around a day and a half before unloading at Antwerp, reportedly due to a dockworkers’ strike.

Authorities said initial investigative findings suggested the magnetic mines could not have been attached within Russian territorial waters.

The Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case under charges related to attempted terrorism and illegal trafficking of explosive devices.

In a video released by the FSB, Ust-Luga harbour master Igor Malofeev said all crew members remained onboard the vessel and that the ship was ready to begin cargo operations after the inspection.

According to LSEG ship tracking data, the Arrhenius is managed by UAE-based Maple Mariner Holding.

Russian officials did not say how many explosive devices were found, but the FSB said each device contained around 7 kilograms of plastic explosive.

Ust-Luga is one of Russia’s key Baltic Sea ports handling oil, gas and energy cargo exports.

The Arrhenius is a Liberia-flagged LPG tanker operating between European and regional energy trade routes.

Russian authorities described the devices as magnetic naval mines attached externally to the ship’s hull underwater.

Russia said it has increased security checks at its ports after several suspected sabotage incidents involving tankers in recent years.

The latest incident comes months after the Suezmax tanker Koala ran aground at Ust-Luga Port following an engine room explosion in February 2025.

References: FSB, Reuters