Libya Moves to Control Drifting LNG Carrier Arctic Metagaz

Libya has launched an emergency response to secure the drifting LNG carrier Arctic Metagaz, with plans to tow the damaged vessel to a safe port as environmental and navigation risks grow. According to The Maritime Telegraph, the country’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) has engaged international incident-response specialists to stabilize the ship and coordinate recovery operations together with national authorities and partners.

 

The 277-metre LNG carrier has remained adrift in the Mediterranean since a powerful explosion and fire struck the vessel on March 3, leaving it heavily damaged. The crew evacuated safely, but the ship continued drifting across international waters and at times approached Malta as well as the Italian islands of Lampedusa and Linosa. Despite major hull breaches, the vessel has stayed afloat thanks to its double-hull structure and internal containment systems. However, it now sits low in the water and shows a visible list, raising additional safety concerns.

 

Italian authorities warned that the vessel could pose a serious environmental threat. Reports indicate it still carries about 450 tonnes of heavy fuel oil and 250 tonnes of diesel. Up to two LNG cargo tanks may also remain intact, potentially holding as much as 60,000 cubic metres of gas onboard.

 

Recent weather conditions have pushed the carrier closer to Libyan waters, where officials expect it could approach the coastline within days. Authorities have already placed offshore infrastructure on alert and advised nearby vessels to maintain a safe distance.

 

Picture: Newsbook Malta/AFP/Getty Images