Russian investigators announced Monday they discovered multiple magnetic mines manufactured by NATO countries on a commercial tanker docked at the Baltic Sea port of Ust-Luga.
Divers conducting a hull inspection found the explosive devices attached to the tanker Arrhenius, which had sailed from Belgium’s Antwerp port to take on liquefied petroleum gas cargo, according to Russia’s Investigative Committee.
Russian authorities have enhanced security protocols at their ports following what they describe as suspected sabotage attempts targeting the country’s energy facilities.
The heightened security measures were implemented last year after Russia mandated underwater inspections of vessels following suspected attacks on four oil tankers. In February 2025, the Suezmax tanker Koala became grounded at Ust-Luga following an explosion in its engine compartment.
Ship tracking information from LSEG indicates the Arrhenius operates under Liberia’s flag and is operated by Maple Mariner Holding based in the UAE.
Svetlana Petrenko, a spokesperson for Russia’s Investigative Committee, confirmed the mines originated from a NATO member nation. She noted the ship docked at Ust-Luga on May 20 and was preparing to depart for the Turkish port of Samsun.
NATO officials were not immediately accessible for a response.
The explosive devices have been rendered safe, Petrenko confirmed.
“Based on initial investigative actions, it can already be concluded that the magnetic mines could not have been installed in Russia’s territorial waters,” Petrenko said.
