The Russian LNG carrier Arctic Metagaz, which faced a two-month drift after being damaged by a Ukrainian sea drone, has finally anchored off Libya’s eastern coast. This stabilization raises hopes for an end to its tumultuous journey, although it remains uncertain how local authorities will address the vessel and its hazardous cargo of liquefied natural gas.
Satellite and maritime data confirm that the ship has maintained its position approximately 18 nautical miles north-northeast of Benghazi for the past few days, signaling that Libyan officials have successfully secured the tanker after multiple attempts to tow it proved unsuccessful due to adverse weather and technical issues. The situation intensified back in March when the tanker was struck approximately 150 nautical miles southeast of Malta, forcing an emergency evacuation of the crew.
Despite the successful anchoring, significant questions linger regarding the vessel’s condition and the safety of its current position. The Libyan National Oil Corporation has suggested that much of the gas on board might have leaked, potentially easing some immediate risks. However, the structural integrity of the Arctic Metagaz remains a concern after enduring weeks of storms, and the extent of necessary inspections is still unknown.
The incident has broader implications for Russian energy shipment routes, prompting the rerouting of LNG carriers away from the Mediterranean. While the anchoring represents a temporary halt in the tanker’s drift, it continues to pose environmental challenges and represents a complex salvage case with no resolution on the horizon.
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