Russian LNG Tanker Arctic Metagaz Anchored Off Libya After Two-Month Drift
The LNG carrier Arctic Metagaz is anchored off Libya after drifts and failed towing attempts, raising environmental concerns. The vessel, damaged by a Ukrainian drone, poses ongoing risks due to its hazardous cargo of liquefied natural gas and diesel fuel.
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The Arctic Metagaz has been secured off Libya's eastern coast after drifting for two months. Initially hit by a Ukrainian sea drone, the vessel abandoned by its crew was left adrift with dangerous cargo, raising alarms over offshore oil infrastructure and coastal ecosystems.
Despite multiple failed towing attempts, Libyan authorities managed to anchor the tanker around 18 nautical miles north-northeast of Benghazi by April 28. However, much of the gas onboard may have leaked, and its structural integrity remains in question.
Control of the situation is now with eastern Libyan authorities, complicating long-term salvage operations. This incident has prompted Russia to reroute its LNG carriers away from the Mediterranean, indicating broader implications for energy shipping routes.
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