Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Arctic-Metagaz

**Title: 'Arctic Metagaz' Stabilized Off Libya After Two-Month Drift** The stranded LNG tanker, the 'Arctic Metagaz,' is now anchored at coordinates 32° 25'N and 020° 08'E, approximately eight nautical miles from Daryanah and 18 nautical miles north-northeast of Benghazi. This development marks a potential resolution to its two-month journey adrift across the central Mediterranean, although the fate of the vessel remains uncertain as local authorities assess the situation. For several days, the tanker has maintained its position roughly 18 nautical miles from Benghazi, suggesting that Libyan officials have successfully secured it after numerous unsuccessful towing efforts. On April 30, the vessel was reported stationary about eight nautical miles northwest of Daryanah, highlighting ongoing challenges in managing the situation. Libya's National Oil Corporation has indicated that a significant portion of gas aboard may have leaked, potentially diminishing immediate hazards. Meanwhile, plans are underway to extract any remaining diesel fuel and transfer it to another ship. The 'Arctic Metagaz' has faced weeks of storms and structural strain, raising questions about whether comprehensive inspections have already been conducted. The operation's oversight now appears to lie with authorities in eastern Libya, introducing further ambiguity regarding operational coordination and the technical abilities necessary for a lasting resolution. In response to security concerns in the Mediterranean, Russia has redirected its fleet of LNG carriers, opting for longer routes around southern Africa to prevent potential threats. For more information, view the full report and accompanying images [here](https://gcaptain.com/stricken-russian-lng-tanker-arctic-metagaz-anchored-off-libya-after-two-month-odyssey-future-uncertain/).

**Title: 'Arctic Metagaz' Stabilizes Off the Shores of Libya After Extended Drift** The Russian-operated tanker 'Arctic Metagaz' has reportedly anchored off the eastern coast of Libya, potentially marking the conclusion of its two-month odyssey across the central Mediterranean. The vessel has maintained its position approximately 18 nautical miles north-northeast of Benghazi for several days now, suggesting that Libyan authorities have successfully taken control, succeeding after multiple unsuccessful towing attempts. On April 30, the tanker was located about eight nautical miles northwest of Daryanah, still holding firm at its current coordinates. According to Libya’s National Oil Corporation, a significant portion of the gas onboard has likely escaped, which may alleviate some immediate threats. Efforts are now underway to facilitate the transfer of the remaining diesel fuel to another ship. The 'Arctic Metagaz' has faced numerous challenges during its time adrift, including severe weather conditions and concerns over structural integrity. As of now, it remains unclear whether thorough inspections have been conducted on the vessel. The management of this operation now seems to lie primarily with eastern Libyan authorities, which introduces further ambiguity about their capacity for effective coordination and the technical expertise required for a permanent resolution. In response to the recent explosion incident involving the 'Arctic Metagaz,' Russia has adjusted the routes of its fleet of LNG carriers, navigating away from the Mediterranean and opting for longer journeys around southern Africa to mitigate any possible security risks. For further details and visuals, please follow this link: [gCaptain Report](https://gcaptain.com/stricken-russian-lng-tanker-arctic-metagaz-anchored-off-libya-after-two-month-odyssey-future-uncertain/)

**Title: Ghost Ship 'Arctic Metagaz' Found Near Libyan Coastline** In a concerning development for maritime safety, the 'Arctic Metagaz' was detected on April 29 at coordinates 32° 25' N, 20° 08' E, situated approximately eight nautical miles northwest of Daryanah and 18 miles north-northeast of Benghazi. Currently stranded, the vessel is now once again left to drift without assistance following the return of the harbor tug 'Julyana 2' to port. Local authorities are facing significant challenges with limited technical capabilities to address the situation. Without swift international intervention, there is an escalating concern about the potential of the 'Arctic Metagaz' running aground in the shallow coastal waters of the Cyrenaica region. This incident highlights the urgent need for coordinated maritime response efforts to mitigate the risks associated with unmonitored vessels in critical sea areas.

**Title: Stranded Tanker Near Benghazi Raises Alarm** A precarious maritime situation has developed off the coast of Benghazi, as the tanker m'Arctic Metagaz drifts perilously close to shore. On April 28, the vessel was reported to be just 22 nautical miles north-northwest of Benghazi, at coordinates 32° 29' N and 019° 58' E. The drama unfolded after the ship drifted a staggering 65 nautical miles over a four-day period, following the catastrophic failure of its last towline. In response to this unfolding crisis, the tugboat 'Julyana 2' (IMO: 1066013) has been dispatched from Benghazi and is en route to assist in securing the drifting tanker. Efforts are urgently underway to avert potential maritime disaster as the m'Arctic Metagaz remains in a vulnerable position.

**Title: "Arctic Metagaz" Drifts Unassisted Amid Harsh Weather Conditions** On April 23, the tanker "Arctic Metagaz" was reported once again as Not Under Command (NUC), drifting without control in the Mediterranean Sea. The vessel found itself in this precarious situation after its towing line snapped on the afternoon of April 22, a casualty of the region's severe weather conditions. The tugboat "Maridive 701," which had been assisting the "Arctic Metagaz," has departed the scene due to its own technical difficulties, leaving the tanker stranded at position 33° 60'N, 020° 02'E – approximately 120 nautical miles north of Benghazi. In response, Libyan authorities have urgently alerted all maritime traffic in the area to maintain a safety distance of at least five miles from the tanker to ensure navigational safety amidst the ongoing challenges. As the situation develops, further updates will be vital for maritime operators and vessels in the vicinity.

**Title: Abandoned Tanker 'Arctic Metagaz' Drifts in Central Mediterranean** **Content:** The situation surrounding the abandoned tanker 'Arctic Metagaz' has worsened, as it remains adrift in the central Mediterranean. The last known coordinates for the vessel place it off the Cyrenaica coast, situated north of Benghazi and Al Marj. Currently, it is grappling with the effects of the powerful southeasterly winds, commonly known as the 'Sirocco.' Recent meteorological data indicate wind gusts surpassing 20 knots, contributing to elevated wave heights that challenge the integrity of the vessel's towlines. Reports suggest that the primary tow assist, the tugboat 'Maridive 701,' has either had to sever its connection or has experienced a towline failure. As a result, the 'Arctic Metagaz' has been forced to drift northwest, further away from the Eastern Libyan coast and unpredictably towards open waters and crucial commercial shipping routes in the Gulf of Sirte. As of April 17, the situation remains precarious, with the tanker identified at position 34.0 N, 20.03 E, while the tug 'Maridive 701' continues to monitor the drifting vessel amidst these turbulent weather conditions. The scenario highlights the ongoing risks present in the Mediterranean waterways, emphasizing the need for vigilant maritime oversight.

**Title: Stranded Vessel 'Arctic Metagaz' Successfully Towed in Mediterranean** On April 11, the vessel 'Arctic Metagaz' was observed operating at coordinates 33.53°N, 019.99°E, approximately 70 to 90 nautical miles north of Benghazi, in the central Mediterranean Sea. The uncrewed ship was under tow, making a slow progress of about 1 knot and exhibiting frequent stop-and-go movements that suggested a significant load strain. This development followed a critical incident on April 9, when the vessel drifted dangerously close to the Sidi Khalifah coastline, reaching within 16 nautical miles. In response, intervention teams promptly reestablished the towing connection. The primary towing operations were conducted by the offshore supply vessel 'Maridive 701', with support from two harbor tugs, 'Julyana 2' and 'ICDAS 1'. Maritime safety measures were in place, with the patrol vessel 'TBZ 15' overseeing surface monitoring and traffic management, operating without active AIS transmission to mitigate any potential conflicts in maritime navigation. Advanced high-resolution visual telemetry was employed to carry out a detailed structural assessment of the hull breach, confirming that while the vessel was compromised, it remained stable under the current calm sea conditions. However, a significant weather change is anticipated beginning the evening of April 11, continuing through April 14, with the onset of strengthening southeasterly 'Sirocco' winds expected to elevate swell and surface currents in the area. For more information and visual documentation, visit the report here: [Malta Today](https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/140916/a_distant_war_a_russian_wreck_and_a_mediterranean_problem_)

**Title: 'Arctic Metagaz' Wreck Drifting Further from Malta** In a significant development, salvage and towing operations for the 'Arctic Metagaz' have officially concluded, leaving the vessel adrift in the central Mediterranean at coordinates 33.25° N, 18.77° E. This position places it roughly 93 nautical miles northwest of Benghazi. Due to recent changes in weather patterns, the wreck is now drifting eastward, moving away from the Maltese Search and Rescue (SAR) boundary and further into the eastern Mediterranean basin. The tugboat 'Maridive 701' is currently on standby, monitoring the wreck's movement from a secure distance. As physical intervention efforts have been halted, stakeholders are particularly concerned about the ongoing threat posed by the stranded cargo. Recent reports from RFI and Euronews shed light on the initial structural failures of the 'Arctic Metagaz,' shifting the narrative from a mere technical malfunction to potential sabotage. It is now believed that the vessel may have been struck by an Uncrewed Surface Vehicle (USV) in an operation allegedly orchestrated by Ukrainian military specialists in Libya. With structural integrity appearing increasingly compromised and the possibility of further degradation due to harsh wave conditions, the risks remain high. The ship is currently carrying a substantial amount of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) alongside 900 tons of heavy propulsion fuel, both of which could result in critical environmental threats if not managed promptly. As the situation develops, attention will likely remain focused on the wreck and its potential impact on the surrounding maritime environment.

**Title: Malta Proactively Monitors Derelict Tanker ‘Arctic Metagaz’ Amid Salvage Challenges** The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM), in partnership with various European Union agencies, is taking decisive measures to track the movements of the drifting tanker 'Arctic Metagaz.' Utilizing advanced surveillance systems, the AFM has been issuing navigational warnings to fishermen and maritime operators as needed. It is vital to clarify that the current situation is categorized as a salvage operation occurring in international waters, rather than a search and rescue mission. The AFM stressed that any suggestion linking this operation to Malta’s Search and Rescue (SAR) obligations is both misleading and inaccurate. Complicating the salvage efforts are existing international sanctions imposed on the vessel, which have raised significant hurdles. Additionally, Libya lacks the necessary facilities to manage the stranded wreck effectively. As of April 1, aerial imagery revealed that tugs appointed by Libyan authorities were on-site, diligently working to prevent the tanker from drifting towards the Libyan coastline. Over the preceding days, the 'Arctic Metagaz' was towed to a location approximately 105 nautical miles north-northeast of Misrata. However, the towing operation faced a critical setback when it was officially suspended on April 2 at around 04:00 a.m. local time (position 33°50 N 16°43 W) due to deteriorating weather conditions. A powerful deep low-pressure system named Erminio brought severe weather, with winds peaking between 40–50 knots and waves reaching up to five meters. Forecasts indicate that the central Mediterranean region may experience further adverse weather, with wind gusts projected to reach 46 knots and waves up to five meters until April 3. For ongoing updates, including photos and videos related to the situation, visit: [Malta Today](https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/140715/arctic_metagaz_is_outside_maltas_sar_but_military_is_monitoring_vessel_afm_says) and [Maritime Executive](https://maritime-executive.com/article/malta-monitoring-hulk-of-russian-lng-carrier-after-libya-towed-it-to-sea).

**Title: Libya Halts Salvage Efforts for the 'Arctic Metagaz' as Vessel Drifts Toward Malta's SAR Zone** On April 1, 2023, Libya appears to have abandoned its salvage operation for the stricken LNG tanker, 'Arctic Metagaz.' Initially, a fleet of tugs, including the offshore support vessel 'Maridive 701,' was assembled to navigate the tanker on a north-northeast trajectory. This movement was strategically aimed at steering the vessel away from critical offshore oil and gas infrastructure, with intentions initially focused on Misrata. As of late March 30, the convoy had maneuvered approximately 80 to 86 nautical miles north-northeast of Misrata, placing the 'Arctic Metagaz' firmly in international waters and nearing the outskirts of Malta's Search and Rescue (SAR) region that initiates around 34 degrees north latitude. The vessel’s coordinates, approximately 33.75° N, sparked ongoing debates regarding which nation would take responsibility for the operation moving forward. What once seemed like a plan to bring the vessel into a Libyan port for stabilization and potential cargo removal has taken a sharp turn. The convoy's change in direction has moved it further from Libyan ports capable of facilitating such operations. The precarious nature of the vessel's structural integrity, coupled with the ambiguity surrounding its cargo, has complicated the salvage strategy significantly. The International Crisis Group has flagged this operation as notably high-risk, underscoring the environmental hazards posed by the tanker, particularly in uncertain conditions that complicate the transfer and offloading of its contents. Adding to the urgency, ominous weather forecasts predict a severe weather system for the central Mediterranean from April 1 to April 3, with winds expected to reach up to 46 knots and wave heights of five meters. These conditions pose a substantial risk of damaging towing lines and potentially losing control of the vessel. After towing the 'Arctic Metagaz' around 105 nautical miles north-northeast of Misrata — an area that borders Malta's SAR zone — Libyan authorities decided to cease salvage efforts. This week-long towing initiative may have contributed to additional structural damage, allowing seawater to infiltrate more compartments of the vessel. By relocating the ship over 100 nautical miles offshore and back toward the incident's origin, Libyan officials managed to mitigate immediate threats to their coastline. However, the pressing question of who will ultimately take charge of salvaging the vessel remains unresolved. In the coming days, prevailing winds threaten to push the 'Arctic Metagaz' further away from Libyan waters and potentially back into the jurisdiction of Malta's SAR zone, possibly shifting responsibility once again. For more details and updates, visit: [gCaptain](https://gcaptain.com/libya-abandons-arctic-metagaz-salvage-at-edge-of-malta-sar-zone/), [Malta Ship Photos](https://maltashipphotos.com/maritime-accident-lng-tanker-arctic-metagaz-update-3-until-31st-march-01-04-2026/), and [Schiff Forum](https://forum-schiff.de/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?p=229877#p229877).

**Title: Salvage Expert Evaluates Risks Surrounding the Stricken "Arctic Metagaz" Tanker** The situation surrounding the crippled tanker "Arctic Metagaz" has garnered significant attention, particularly from salvage engineer Sylvia Tervoort-ter Haar. With an extensive background in maritime safety, having served as a ship's officer and engineer on chemical tankers, Tervoort-ter Haar transitioned to the role of salvage master with SMIT Salvage in 2008. Throughout her career, she has led over 25 major salvage operations, including the high-profile recovery of the "Costa Concordia." In a recent assessment, Tervoort-ter Haar characterized the "Arctic Metagaz" as presenting a considerable safety dilemma for salvage operators. She emphasized the need for comprehensive data gathering before any salvage crews can safely board the distressed vessel. This incident has not only raised environmental and logistical concerns but also political questions about which nation will take command of the operation, who will accept liability, and whether the tanker is covered by insurance. Salvage firms may be reluctant to engage without clarity on payment responsibilities. The operation of transferring liquefied natural gas (LNG) during such emergencies poses additional complexities, as LNG must be maintained at an extremely low temperature of -162°C. Reports indicate severe damage to the tanker's loading systems, hindering efforts to transfer LNG safely. The ship's hull has suffered significant integrity loss, with notable breaches and a concerning list to one side. Currently, two of the LNG tanks have experienced explosions, while the fate of two others remains uncertain. As a result of the compromised systems, LNG is at risk of vaporizing due to the absence of operational engines, leading to a buildup of a colorless, odorless steam cloud that could ignite unexpectedly, posing dangers particularly in daylight conditions when such threats may not be visible. The environmental and infrastructural implications are serious, as Libyan authorities assume substantial responsibility, especially given that the vessel's condition could lead to a catastrophic explosion at any moment. This precarious state endangers port facilities, cranes, and even underwater assets. Furthermore, salvage companies face significant risks if they engage with sanctioned vessels, including potential asset freezes. Their involvement is contingent on assurance that there will be no negative repercussions. To mitigate hazards, Tervoort-ter Haar recommends utilizing drones for gas analysis, temperature monitoring, and visual inspections of the ship and its cargo holds. Implementing AI modeling to analyze the steam plume's behavior aboard the vessel would also be prudent. The integrity of the LNG tanks remains a critical focus. Any contact between liquid LNG and the steel hull or seawater can trigger a rapid phase change, causing LNG to expand explosively to 600 times its original volume. This potential for explosive expansion poses an additional risk of structural failure, jeopardizing the vessel's stability. Natural evaporation of the LNG vapor cloud may take weeks or months, during which time any disturbance—such as shifting debris—could spark catastrophic fires. If leaks occur, liquid heavy fuel oil could be skimmed during favorable weather, while diesel fuel would evaporate more quickly, dispersing with the sea and rain. Releasing methane, a powerful greenhouse gas contained in LNG, creates environmental concerns, though damage to marine ecosystems in the Mediterranean is expected to be less severe compared to other hazardous liquids. However, if the vessel were to sink, there are broader implications, including the loss of diesel fuel, heavy fuel oil, lubricants, and other chemicals from onboard batteries. The decision to deliberately sink "Arctic Metagaz" may spark disputes among affected parties, such as Libya and its neighbors, who could have opposing views regarding the environmental risks involved, complicating discussions about financial liability in the aftermath. Tervoort-ter Haar concluded that LNG tanker operators historically had strong confidence in their vessels' safety. Nonetheless, exceptional circumstances such as sabotage or military conflict must also be incorporated into risk assessments—the current scenario exemplifying industry practices that are not equipped to handle such unprecedented events. As of March 23, the "Arctic Metagaz" was reported to be drifting approximately 65 kilometers northwest of the Libyan coast. The Municipality of Zuwara remains actively engaged, closely monitoring the evolving situation in collaboration with relevant authorities. For further updates, you can refer to the full report [here](https://libyaobserver.ly/news/stricken-russian-vessel-heads-northwest-away-coast).

**Title: Stranded Tanker "Arctic Metagaz" Drifts Off Zuwara Without Oil Leaks** The tanker "Arctic Metagaz" is currently adrift approximately 35 nautical miles from Zuwara, a location along the Libyan coastline. Despite its erratic trajectory across the central Mediterranean, there are no indications of oil leakage from the vessel. Initially spotted in waters near Malta, the tanker altered course by moving west toward Lampedusa and subsequently headed south along Libya's western coast, passing near notable offshore installations such as the Sabratha and Bouri platforms before arriving in its current position northwest of Zuwara. According to Coast Guard officials, the vessel was estimated to be around 48 nautical miles northeast of Zuwara, moving at a sluggish speed of approximately 1.1 knots, influenced by prevailing currents and winds. In response to the scenario, multiple Libyan naval assets have been mobilized, including Coast Guard units, the National Oil Corporation (NOC), and operators within the energy sector, to ensure the vessel's security and mitigate potential environmental hazards. Recently, the NOC revealed that, through its joint venture, Mellitah Oil & Gas, and in collaboration with Eni, it has entered into an emergency agreement with a specialized international firm to facilitate the recovery of the "Arctic Metagaz." The primary aim of this operation is to minimize the risk of marine pollution and to tow the vessel to a designated secure port. In coordination with various government ministries, the Coast Guard, and local port authorities, Libyan authorities are actively managing the situation. Additionally, both Italy and Malta have been monitoring developments through aerial surveillance to enhance safety measures. The maritime area remains classified as high-risk for navigation, prompting advisories for other vessels to maintain a safe distance from the drifting tanker. For more detailed coverage and visuals, you can find the report [here](https://www.rfi.fr/es/m%C3%A1s-noticias/20260323-no-hay-signos-de-dispersi%C3%B3n-de-hidrocarburos-en-un-barco-ruso-a-la-deriva-en-el-mediterr%C3%A9neo).

**Title: Drifting Wreck Poses Threat Near Libyan Oil Fields** In a concerning development, the 'Arctic Metagaz' has been swept out of the Strait of Sicily and is now situated precariously within the Libyan Economic Zone (EEZ). Strong northern winds have propelled the vessel dangerously close to Libya’s prominent offshore oil and gas installations, including the significant Bouri Field and the Mellitah complex. These facilities serve as vital links for the gas pipelines that supply Italy and other European countries through the GreenStream pipeline. In response to this escalating situation, the Libyan government has summoned a high-level emergency meeting that includes representatives from the National Oil Corporation (NOC) and the Coast Guard. Meanwhile, the tanker 'Jupiter' is on standby, closely monitoring the drifting wreck. As of March 21, at approximately 05:06 a.m., the 'Arctic Metagaz' was reported at coordinates 33.57592 N, 12.99196 E, drifting at a speed of 0.6 knots and approximately 41 nautical miles from the Libyan coastline, with winds blowing at 6 knots from the ENE direction. On the same day, the NOC formalized an agreement with an international salvage company to address the situation surrounding the abandoned Russian LNG tanker. The emergency response has been orchestrated with the assistance of Mellitah Oil & Gas and Italy's ENI, which are collaborating closely with Libyan authorities to avert any potential damage to the Bouri Field and the GreenStream pipeline.

**Title: Investigation Ongoing into Mystery Explosion of the 'Arctic Metgas'** In a recent statement, Russia’s Ministry of Transportation condemned Ukraine, labeling the attack on the sanctioned gas carrier 'Arctic Metgas' as an act of terrorism. The incident occurred on March 3, causing a dramatic explosion that resulted in a towering fireball and subsequent blaze aboard the vessel. According to Russian authorities, the attack allegedly originated from unmanned Ukrainian boats off the coast of Libya. While Ukrainian officials have yet to respond formally, Serhii Sternenko, an adviser to the Ukrainian Minister of Defense, took to social media to assert, “This is, of course, not us. The attack was by unknown drones.” Experts analyzing the situation noted the significant distance between Ukraine and the site of the incident, raising questions about the origin of the drones used in the attack. Libyan authorities issued warnings on March 4, indicating that the 'Arctic Metgas' had completely sunk. They advised caution due to debris located in the maritime area between Libya and Malta, approximately 130 nautical miles north of the Port of Sirte, east of Tripoli. The vessel was reportedly carrying 62,000 tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG), and officials cautioned mariners to steer clear of the wreck due to the potential risk of further gas leakage from the damaged tanks. Initial assessments revealed that one of the ship's tanks had been breached during the explosion. Witness reports from nearby ships illustrated the severity of the situation, describing a massive fireball followed by a raging inferno engulfing the wreck. Fortunately, a cargo ship in close proximity managed to assist the 'Arctic Metgas', rescuing 30 crew members from a life raft around 7:30 p.m. local time. The 'Arctic Metgas' had been under sanctions from the United States since August 2024, part of broader efforts targeting the Arctic LNG 2 project. Additionally, it faced sanctions from the EU, UK, and more in 2025. Having operated under a shadow fleet since 2023, the vessel switched to the Russian flag in 2025 and was reportedly en route to China at the time of the explosion.

**Title: LNG Carrier 'Arctic Metagaz' Sinks Following Suspected Attack in Mediterranean** On March 3, 2026, at approximately 4 a.m. local time, the LNG carrier 'Arctic Metagaz' experienced a catastrophic event while it was en route to the Suez Canal, carrying around 62,000 tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG). The vessel had departed from Murmansk on February 24, 2026, after loading its cargo at the Saam floating storage unit (FSU) on February 18. The ship was reportedly headed for a destination in China. The incident unfolded about 150 nautical miles southeast of Malta's Hurd's Bank where multiple explosions were reported, believed to be linked to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attack. The timing and nature of these explosions raised questions regarding whether a mechanical failure or a deliberate assault was the cause. Following the blasts, significant fire damage was observed, with at least one cargo compartment completely ruptured. Tragically, the 'Arctic Metagaz' ultimately sank approximately 240 kilometers north of Sirte, Libya, heightening concerns over potential environmental hazards due to possible leaks of LNG or other fuels. The Libyan Maritime Transport and Port Authority issued a maritime advisory outlining the situation. The vessel's wreck was located at coordinates 34°17.6 N, 17°04.0 E, but no distress signal had been emitted prior to the sinking, creating uncertainty about the crew's status and the ship's cargo. Fortunately, the crew managed to evacuate the vessel using a lifeboat and were later rescued by a nearby commercial ship. A combined rescue effort enabled the safe retrieval of all 30 Russian crew members, who were found adrift in the Libyan Search and Rescue Region. Malta's Armed Forces swiftly launched surveillance aircraft in response to the emergency, coordinating with a Turkish Navy ATR 72-600 patrol aircraft. On the same day of the incident, Maltese Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri confirmed that Malta’s Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) had initiated verification procedures and had worked collaboratively with international authorities to locate the wreck. Previously, the 'Arctic Metagaz' had deactivated its AIS tracker approximately 300 kilometers before the incident on March 2 while traveling at a speed of 16 knots. This vessel had previously utilized "spoofing" techniques to conceal its location—a practice that contravenes international maritime regulations. Its last known position was reported to be around 30 nautical miles off Malta's northeastern shore. Authorities are actively investigating the cause of the explosion and fire while advising nearby shipping traffic to exercise caution. No group has claimed responsibility for the suspected attack on the vessel. The 'Arctic Metagaz', built in 2003, has also operated under the names 'Metagas Energy' and 'Everest Energy' during 2023 and 2024, and has been flagged by Russia since April 2025. It is managed by the Russian firm LLC “SMP TechManagement.” This incident occurs in the context of escalating tensions surrounding the Arctic LNG 2 project, which holds significant strategic value for the Russian government. The U.S. and U.K. imposed sanctions on this project in late 2023 and early 2024, leading to further restrictions on vessels linked to it. In August 2024, the U.S. implemented additional sanctions against several LNG tankers associated with Arctic LNG 2. The 'Arctic Metagaz' has been implicated in illegal ship-to-ship transfers, with sanctions from Canada, the EU, and Switzerland imposed for its role in facilitating Russian energy sector operations. The recent explosion highlights the growing vulnerabilities faced by Russia's Arctic LNG fleet amid tightening sanctions and maritime threats. The status of operations under the shadow fleet remains precarious, complicating the future of Russia's gas export capabilities. Meanwhile, another vessel linked to the Arctic LNG 2 project, the 'Arctic Pioneer', is reportedly navigating around Port Said after a transit through the Suez Canal. For ongoing updates and detailed coverage, visit [timesofmalta.com](https://timesofmalta.com/article/russialinked-gas-tanker-ablaze-150-miles-off-malta.1124914) and [gcaptain.com](https://gcaptain.com).

**Title: Russia's Arctic LNG Fleet Navigates Red Sea Amid Middle East Turmoil** As the conflict in the Middle East intensifies, Russia's Arctic liquefied natural gas (LNG) shadow fleet continues its operations largely unaffected. Recently, at least seven tankers have been observed navigating through the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, transporting LNG to Asia even while numerous global shipping companies are modifying their routes to avoid the area. Despite rising tensions, vessels involved in Russia's Arctic LNG trade are actively utilizing the shortcut to Asia. Notably, the southbound tanker 'La Perouse' has successfully navigated the Suez Canal and made its way into the Red Sea. Meanwhile, the northbound 'Arctic Pioneer' is on the approach to the canal, having just passed through the Red Sea. Further along the route, additional tankers such as the 'Arctic Mulan' and 'Iris' are making their journey eastward after successfully crossing the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. In the Indian Ocean, both the 'Nova Energy' and 'Arctic Vostok' are staying their course toward the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, while the 'Arctic Metagaz' is traveling toward the canal after crossing from the Mediterranean. These operations underscore a striking contrast with the uncertainty surrounding Qatari LNG exports, which must navigate the Strait of Hormuz—a critical chokepoint experiencing slower traffic and heightened security concerns in recent days. As the geopolitical landscape shifts, the resilience of Russia's Arctic LNG fleet remains a point of interest for the global shipping community.

On Feb 19, Russia has for the first time conducted three simultaneous LNG ship-to-ship (STS) transfers in the Murmansk region, underscoring how Moscow is refining complex maritime logistics to keep Arctic gas flowing even as Western sanctions target its energy exports. Two of the transfers took place at the Saam floating storage unit (FSU), where LNG from the sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project was offloaded and reloaded for onward shipment simultaneously, while a third transfer took place near Kildin Island involving cargo from the unsanctioned Yamal LNG project. At the Saam FSU, Arc7, the 'Christophe de Margerie' delivered a cargo originating from Arctic LNG 2, with the tanker 'Arctic Metagaz' loading the LNG for onward transport, likely to the Beihai LNG terminal, which has so far been the only confirmed destination for cargoes from the sanctioned project. A similar double transfer had taken place at the same FSU in early January. Separately, the Arc7 carrier 'Nikolay Urvantsev', transporting LNG from Yamal LNG conducted an STS transfer at the Kildin anchorage east of Murmansk, with the cargo likely bound either for Europe or Asia aboard the conventional tanker LNG Phecda. The triple STS operation signals a new level of coordination for Russian Arctic LNG logistics, showing how the country continued to find ways to move gas to global markets despite mounting restrictions. Sanctions have complicated Arctic LNG 2 shipments, forcing reliance on storage units, STS transfers and a shadow fleet of tankers. In 2024, vessels linked to the project often sailed with AIS tracking turned off or spoofed. More recently, however, transfers have taken place openly, suggesting confidence in established routes and limited new enforcement actions. The Beihai terminal has only been sanctioned by the United Kingdom. The lack of new actions from the USA in recent months has allowed Moscow to develop its Arctic LNG 2 export routes.

The LNG tanker 'Arctic Vostok' (IMO: 9216298), carrying a cargo from Russia’s sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project, has berthed at the Beihai terminal on Sep 30. If the tanker discharges its cargo, it would be the 7th load that the Chinese terminal has received from the Arctic LNG 2 project, which is under sanctions because of Russia’s war against Ukraine. The LNG tanker picked up LNG from a storage facility in Kamchatka since Aug 30. The tanker is managed by the SMP Techmanagement while the registered owner was Lule One Services. Despite sanctions, the Arctic LNG 2, which is 60 % owned by Russia’s Novatek, has been sending out LNG since 2024, with cargoes being delivered to two storage facilities in Russia and the Beihai LNG terminal. The last two cargoes loaded from the Arctic LNG 2 facility in Gydan were taken aboard the 'Christophe De Margerie' (IMO: 9737187) and the 'Voskhod'. Another sanctioned tanker, the 'La Perouse' (IMO: 9849887), which also loaded 150,000 cubic meters of LNG from the project, was heading toward the Bay of Bengal. One more sanctioned tanker, the 'Arctic Metagaz', which is also carrying a cargo from Arctic LNG 2, is currently near the Beihai LNG terminal too. It picked up a cargo from a floating storage facility in Murmansk on July 17, which has also only received cargoes from the Arctic LNG 2 project.

The 'Arctic Metagas', a tanker without ice protection, had to reversed its course and remained stopped near the edge of the sea ice on the Northern Sea Route. The vessel’s struggles highlighted the challenges for non ice-class vessels in Arctic shipping, even during the summer months. The 'Arctic Metagaz' is part of Russia’s expanding shadow fleet of LNG carriers in service of the sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project. The tanker idled in the East Siberian Sea around 48 hours after it reversed course. The vessel was passing through patches of remaining summer sea ice following in proximity to the nuclear icebreaker 'Sibir' on Aug 29 when it began backtracking her initial course just after midnight UTC. The vessel had departed from the port of Murmansk around Aug 19, carrying sanctioned supercooled gas in search of buyers in Asia. From Aug 29 to Aug 3, the vessel was backtracking and idling at a speed of zero knots at the edge of the sea ice. The 'Sibir' has been working for several weeks in the East Siberian Sea in an effort to open up shipping lanes through persistent summer sea ice along the Northern Sea Route. Russian ice charts were showing considerable ice coverage in the waters near Pevek, ranging from 10 to 60 %, including grounded hummocks. The summer season 2025 was the second year in a row when sea ice blocked the eastern reaches of the route even during late summer.

During the recent days of late May, 2025, at least a half-dozen sanctioned LNG carriers have received permits to sail Russia’s Northern Sea Route during the summer months. The vessels were including the last summer’s shadow fleet carriers 'Arctic Metagas' (ex-'Everest Energy') and 'Arctic Mulan' (ex-'Mulan'), as well as the recently-reflagged and sanctioned tanker 'Iris' (ex-'North Sky'), 'Buran' (ex-'North Air'), 'Voskhod (ex-'North Mountain'), and 'Zarya' (ex-'North Way'). In total, almost 30 LNG tankers have now been granted permits to travel through Russia’s Arctic waters in the coming months. Among them are at least six conventional gas tankers without any ice-class. The bulk of the fleet remained unsanctioned and was operating legally, carrying liquefied gas from the Yamal LNG project.

The 'Everest Energy', operated by a recently establish India-registered enterprise, sails across Arctic waters as part of a shady Russian scheme established to bypass sanctions in Russia’s covert efforts to ship liquified natural gas from the sanctions-ridden Arctic LNG 2 project. Along with a fleet of at least seven vessels, the 'Everest Energy' is involved in the shipments from the port of Utrenny in the Gulf of Ob. This week, the ship made port call in Utrenny, the terminal in the Gulf of Ob, and picked up LNG from the Arctic LNG 2 production facility frp, Sep 7-8. It subsequently set course for east Arctic waters and markets in Asia. However, although clearly located in the area, the ship is not listed in the registries of the Northern Sea Route Administration, the Russian state body that regulates shipments on the route. All ships that sail in the remote Russian Arctic waters are normally listed in registry. The 'Everest Energy' and the other notorious tankers are hired by Novatek and its partners to circumnavigate sanctions. The shady operations are supported from the highest level in Moscow. The Russians have found useful partners in India. The ship owner is the Ocean Speedstar Solutions Opc Private Ltd., a company registered in Mumbai and established in Jan 2024. The 'Everest Energy'will inevitably encounter sea-ice on its voyage along the Russian Arctic coast, as parts of the North Siberian Sea and the Chukchi Sea still have significant volumes of sea-ice. The carrier has a sea-ice classification of +1A1, which means that it is able to operate in light ice conditions and localized drift ice.

A week after the Republic of Palau temporarily suspended the flag of three LNG carriers, Russia’s shadow fleet has ground to a halt, for now. Palau’s International Ship Registry pulled the registration of the 'Pioneer', 'Asya Energy', and 'Everest Energy' pending an investigation into their practice of deactivating or spoofing AIS signals while sailing to the sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project. All shadow fleet vessels have remained idle in Russian or international waters for much of the past week. The 'Pioneer' had loaded cargo in the Russian Arctic on Aug 3 with potential losses approaching 7.5% of cargo a month later. The vessel transferred its cargo during a ship-to-ship to the 'New Energy' north of the Suez Canal. Both vessels have remained idle off the coast of Port Said since the STS. Following its flag being suspended, the 'Asya Energy' turned around in Norwegian waters and sailed for Kola Bay near Murmansk where she has remained since Au 27. Its Moss-type storage system limits losses to 0.15% a day, but they may still be approaching 3-4% more than three weeks after calling at Arctic LNG 2. The 'Everest Energy' headed for the thus far unused world’s largest floating storage barge 'Saam FSU' in the Ura Guba Bay. Transferring its cargo to the modern storage unit could help reduce boil-off rates. The 'North Sky' began offloading its cargo at the Yangkou LNG terminal over the weekend. The vessel loaded cargo from thus-far unsanctioned 'Yamal LNG' nearly four weeks ago but had remained idle off the coast of Yangkou, China for several days. The 'North Sky', together with three other newbuilds from the same order, the 'North Mountain', 'North Air' and 'North Way', was included in sanctions announced last week. While the vessels have not carried product from sanctioned Arctic LNG 2, they were originally intended for use with the project. Potential buyers receiving cargo from the 'North Sky' will likely face the risk of secondary sanctions.