Libya Abandons Salvage Of LNG Tanker Arctic Metagaz, Leaves It Adrift Near Malta SAR Zone

Libyan authorities have stopped efforts to recover the damaged LNG tanker Arctic Metagaz and moved it far offshore, where it is now drifting near the edge of Malta’s search and rescue (SAR) zone.

Tracking data shows the vessel is about 105 nautical miles north-northeast of Misrata. It was towed past the Libyan coast without entering port, even though earlier plans suggested it would be taken to Misrata for cargo removal and stabilisation.

The tanker was hit by explosions and fire on March 3 while sailing in international waters in the central Mediterranean. It was carrying liquefied natural gas along with other fuel.

The crew later abandoned the vessel and were rescued by another Russian merchant ship, leaving it unmanned at sea.

Libya had started a towing operation to keep the damaged ship away from its coastline and offshore oil infrastructure.

The plan included offloading the remaining cargo in a controlled way. However, recent developments show that this plan has not been completed.

The vessel had been under tow by the tug Maridive 701, but the towline reportedly snapped due to strong winds and rough sea conditions.

After this, most of the assisting tugboats returned to port, and towing operations were stopped. Per reports, the towline was later disconnected, leaving the tanker without active control in international waters.

The ship is now listing and sitting lower in the water, with its stern close to the waterline. This indicates that its condition may be worsening.

Analysts believe that the towing process may have added stress to the already damaged structure, allowing more seawater to enter the vessel.

Weather in the central Mediterranean is expected to get worse in the coming days, which could increase the risk of the vessel sinking. Wind patterns may push the tanker further north-northeast, possibly into Malta’s SAR zone.

By towing the vessel more than 100 nautical miles away from the coast, Libyan authorities have reduced immediate risk to their shoreline.

However, the decision has raised questions about whether the salvage effort has been abandoned completely and who will take responsibility for the vessel next.

Officials from Libya’s General Administration for Coast Security and the National Oil Corporation, which were leading the operation, have not responded to requests for comment.

The tanker is considered part of Russia’s “shadow fleet,” according to Western officials. Russia has blamed Ukraine for the attack on the vessel, while Ukraine has not claimed responsibility.

References: maltatoday, safety4sea