Second Malta-Flagged Vessel Damaged in Black Sea Attack, Malta Condemns Rising Shipping Risks

Malta-Flagged Container Ship Hit in Black Sea

A second commercial vessel flying the Maltese flag has been damaged in the Black Sea in mid-January 2026, sustaining minor damage from shrapnel during a missile strike targeting port infrastructure. The incident, which occurred within days of a separate attack on another Malta-flagged ship, resulted in one seafarer being injured. Despite the damage, the container ship remains seaworthy. A spokesperson for Malta's Transport Ministry confirmed the details, noting that the attack was aimed at port facilities rather than the vessel directly.

Government Condemns Attacks and Highlights Risks

Malta's government has officially condemned the recent attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea. The Transport Ministry issued a statement emphasizing that such incidents pose a 'serious threat to the safety of civilian seafarers, international navigation, and the free flow of legitimate global trade.' Malta reiterated its commitment to upholding the principles of freedom of navigation and strict adherence to international law. The ministry also highlighted the increasing operational and insurance risks faced by commercial vessels operating in active conflict zones, even when transporting essential goods in compliance with international sanctions.

Previous Incident: The Oil Tanker Matilda

This latest incident follows a drone attack on January 13, 2026, which targeted the Matilda, a Malta-flagged oil tanker. The Matilda, owned by a Greek company and chartered by a Kazakh oil firm, was struck by two Ukrainian drones near Anapa in Russia's Krasnodar region, specifically near the CPC marine terminal outside Novorossiysk. While the tanker sustained minor, repairable damage to its deck structures and a fire briefly broke out, no crew members were injured, and the vessel remained seaworthy. Russia has attributed this attack to Ukraine, though Kyiv has not commented on the allegations.

Escalating Maritime Tensions

The repeated targeting of commercial vessels underscores the escalating tensions and dangers for maritime trade in the Black Sea region. The attacks near the CPC marine terminal have already had a measurable economic impact, with insurance rates for merchant ships operating in the Black Sea rising to 1% of a vessel's value as of December 2025, a significant increase from more stable periods. Malta, which boasts the largest maritime sector in the European Union by tonnage, has previously advocated for international discussions on shipping safety in the region.