The drifting “ghost ship” Arctic Metagaz has been secured.
After the explosion off Malta, the vessel drifted for weeks before being towed away by Libyan authorities, with precautions increased against explosion and pollution risks.
Libyan authorities have taken control of the damaged Russian LNG tanker Arctic Metagaz, securing the vessel to a tug and initiating an operation to tow it away from the coast. The Libyan Ministry of Defense confirmed that the ship is now fully under control, while the National Oil Corporation (NOC) announced it has established a 24/7 operations center to monitor the situation in real time and coordinate the response. The corporation is also reportedly in contact with international partners and stepping up preparations for various scenarios.
The vessel is believed to have sustained significant structural damage after a powerful explosion off the coast of Malta in early March, after which it drifted uncontrolled for weeks. Experts say that while some of the four LNG tanks may still be intact, the exact amount of gas remaining onboard is unknown. This uncertainty continues to raise concerns about a potential leak or even a secondary explosion.
In addition to its LNG cargo, the tanker is also thought to be carrying substantial quantities of fuel oil and diesel. Should the hull deteriorate further, there is a serious risk of these fuels spilling into the sea, posing a significant environmental threat to the Mediterranean ecosystem. As a precaution, Libyan response teams have pre-positioned containment booms, recovery systems, and other emergency equipment to ensure a rapid response in case of a spill.
Officials emphasize that while the situation is currently manageable, the risks have not been entirely eliminated. The immediate priority remains to keep the vessel under control, tow it safely into open waters, and prevent it from approaching the coastline.
