Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) has engaged a salvage firm to address the threats posed by the drifting Russian LNG carrier, Arctic Metagaz, which has been abandoned since an explosion in early March. This vessel, now referred to as a “ghost ship,” has been left adrift in the central Mediterranean, creating a growing environmental and safety concern as it approaches Libya’s coastline. The emergency response, coordinated with Italy’s Eni and Mellitah Oil & Gas, is crucial as authorities assess the risk posed by the vessel’s unstable condition.
The Arctic Metagaz sustained significant damage, including a large hull breach, though two of its four LNG tanks may still be intact. However, the overall volume of gas aboard is unknown, raising fears of a possible secondary explosion or gas release. In addition to its LNG cargo, the tanker is reported to carry hundreds of tons of heavy fuel oil and diesel, which intensifies the risk of marine pollution if the vessel were to capsize or break apart.
European governments have expressed alarm about the situation, describing the tanker as a “major ecological and maritime hazard.” The NOC is leading an emergency response team, working swiftly to stabilize and tow the vessel to a Libyan port, emphasizing that quick action can help contain the threat. Italian estimates suggest that the Arctic Metagaz could reach Libyan shores within days, underscoring the urgency of the intervention to prevent a significant environmental disaster in the Mediterranean.
