Arctic Metagaz Ship: Explosions & Abandonment in Mediterranean | LNG Cargo From Russia

Libyan authorities have abandoned efforts to salvage the Russian-flagged LNG tanker Arctic Metagaz, which has been drifting in the Mediterranean Sea since early March following a series of explosions. The vessel was towed further offshore and is now near the edge of Malta’s search and rescue zone, according to maritime tracking data and regional media reports.

The Arctic Metagaz was abandoned after being hit by explosions on March 3 while transporting a consignment of liquified natural gas (LNG) from Russia to Egypt. Russia has accused Ukraine of attempting to destroy the tanker, a claim Kyiv has not yet commented on. At the time it was abandoned, the ship was carrying approximately 700 tons of fuel and a “significant amount of natural gas,” according to Russian authorities.

Failed Towing Operation

Initial attempts to tow the vessel to safety began on March 24, but were halted on Thursday, April 2, due to adverse weather conditions. Wind gusts reached 40-50 knots, with waves up to five meters high, preventing the towing operation from proceeding, Libyan authorities stated. The tanker was subsequently described as being “out of control.”

Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) had initially planned to collaborate with the Italian energy group Eni to pull the wrecked vessel towards the North African country’s shores. However, concerns over a potential environmental disaster led to a change in strategy, with authorities deciding to tow the tanker away from the Libyan coastline to minimize the risk of pollution.

Growing Environmental and Safety Concerns

The Arctic Metagaz has been drifting unmanned for nearly three weeks, passing through multiple search and rescue zones, including those of Malta, Italy, and Libya. Italian authorities reported that the tanker re-entered Libya’s search and rescue region, approximately 53 nautical miles north of Tripoli, shifting responsibility for intervention to Libyan authorities.

The vessel has sustained significant structural damage, including a large hull breach. While two of its four LNG tanks are believed to remain intact, the exact volume of gas remaining onboard is unknown. Italy’s Civil Protection agency warned of the possibility of gas dispersion and a potential secondary explosion.

Current Status and Abandoned Salvage

Libyan authorities have now disconnected the towline and returned most of the tugs and support vessels to port, leaving the Arctic Metagaz adrift in international waters. This move raises questions about whether Libya has completely abandoned salvage efforts. The vessel is currently located roughly 105 nautical miles north-northeast of Misrata, close to the boundary of Malta’s search and rescue zone.

The decision to halt the salvage operation comes after Libya contracted a specialist salvage firm to intercept the damaged carrier on March 21, recognizing the growing environmental and safety threat it posed. The situation remains fluid, and deteriorating weather conditions in the central Mediterranean increase the risk of the vessel sinking.

All crew members were safely rescued after the initial explosions. The incident has prompted concerns about the safety of maritime traffic in the region and the potential for environmental damage.