A sanctioned Russian liquefied natural gas tanker is drifting dangerously in the Mediterranean Sea after an onboard explosion and failed tow attempt, raising concerns about a potential catastrophic blast from its remaining cargo.
Emergency evacuation after blast
The 277-metre vessel Arctic-Metagaz, carrying approximately 60,000 tonnes of LNG, was abandoned by its crew of around thirty sailors following an explosion and fire. The incident occurred while the tanker was off the coast of Italy before it drifted towards Libya. Libyan authorities attempted to secure the ship, but a cable connecting it to a tow vessel snapped on Thursday morning, leaving the gas carrier adrift. Maritime tracking sources indicate the ship is now moving towards Maltese waters.
Conflicting theories on damage cause
The origin of the damage remains disputed. Russian authorities have suggested the tanker was struck by a naval drone launched by Ukrainian forces from the Libyan coast. However, industry experts note this attack method differs from previous Ukrainian operations, which typically targeted empty, sanctioned oil tankers by striking their engine rooms to hinder repairs. In this case, the fully-loaded LNG carrier was hit near the bow. Other analysts point to square-shaped holes on both sides of the hull, which they argue are inconsistent with an explosive device and could indicate an earlier incident such as a collision with ice in Arctic waters.
Substantial explosion risk from remaining cargo
Industry experts warn that two of the ship’s four storage tanks remain intact, each holding 35,000 cubic metres of LNG. As the cargo gradually warms, it will evaporate and release gas through pressure valves over approximately one thousand days, creating a significant explosion hazard. This danger necessitates towing the vessel to a remote anchorage away from shipping lanes and populated coasts. The situation presents a major maritime safety challenge for Mediterranean nations.
Potential for European intervention
Should the tanker continue drifting toward Maltese or Italian coastal areas, European authorities are expected to attempt interception to resolve the hazardous situation. Alternative scenarios include the possibility of the vessel being deliberately sunk by parties seeking to avoid investigation into the incident’s causes. The 23-year-old ship’s history and the circumstances surrounding its damage add layers of complexity to an already dangerous maritime emergency.
Background of sanctioned vessel
The Arctic-Metagaz has been subject to international sanctions, and its current predicament highlights ongoing tensions in regional energy security. Previous Ukrainian attacks on Russian commercial shipping have focused on vessels carrying no cargo to avoid environmental contamination, making this incident involving a fully-loaded gas carrier notably different. The drifting tanker represents both a immediate safety threat and a geopolitical flashpoint in Mediterranean waters.
