Mysterious explosions on at least 13 ships sailing to or from Russia: what is happening?

A series of mysterious explosions have affected at least 13 ships navigating to or from Russian ports over the past 18 months, raising concerns about a potential strategy to disrupt Russian energy exports. The incidents, occurring between December 2024 and June 2026, have left the exact causes unconfirmed, though experts are investigating.

One notable incident involved the LNG tanker Arrhenius, which docked at Russia's Ust-Luga port after a journey from Antwerp. Russian authorities reported finding explosives on board, although the Belgian military intelligence service (ADIV) stated it was likely an object was attached to the ship, without confirming it was explosives. No explosion occurred on the Arrhenius itself.

However, explosions did occur on 13 other vessels that had previously visited Russian ports or were en route. These include the oil tanker Seajewel, which sustained damage from two explosions in February 2025 near Italy, and the Grace Ferrum tanker, which experienced a similar event off the coast of Libya around the same time. Both vessels had recently called at Russian ports.

While the perpetrators and methods remain unconfirmed, the pattern of incidents targeting ships involved in trade with Russia has led experts to suspect a coordinated effort. The potential aim is to destabilize Russia's energy sector, a crucial source of revenue. The Belgian intelligence assessment suggests that objects were attached to some vessels, hinting at sabotage rather than accidental explosions.

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it is probable that an object was attached to the Arrhenius