Lng-Merak Vessel Reviews and Specifications

**Title: LNG Merak Brings Russian Gas Back to Mediterranean Amid Shifting Maritime Landscape** On March 14, 2026, the LNG carrier 'LNG Merak' made headlines as it entered the Mediterranean Sea for the first time since the significant diversion of Russian LNG shipments following the destruction of the 'Arctic Metagaz'. This pivotal moment marks a notable shift, occurring two weeks after the tragic explosion that obliterated the 'Arctic Metagaz', prompting Moscow to reroute its energy vessels to safeguard them from the perceived threats posed by Ukrainian maritime drones. Navigating through the Strait of Gibraltar, the 'LNG Merak' headed northeast alongside the Spanish coastline, a route that had seen a notable absence of Russian LNG carriers in recent months. In the wake of the 'Arctic Metagaz' incident, Russian authorities redirected numerous LNG tankers away from the Mediterranean and the Suez Canal—an effort to keep their operations beyond the reach of potential maritime threats. This strategic shift prompted at least five vessels, frequently associated with Russia's clandestine "shadow fleet" of LNG carriers, to alter their paths, with some opting for a circuitous route around the Cape of Good Hope instead. One tanker even executed a dramatic mid-voyage reversal, while another chose to linger off Port Said, avoiding an entry into the Mediterranean altogether. The arrival of the 'LNG Merak' could signal a relaxation of these precautionary measures; however, it is important to note this vessel's contrasting status. In stark contrast to the ill-fated 'Arctic Metagaz', which faced sanctions from both the United States and the European Union, the 'LNG Merak' operates under traditional commercial terms and is flagged in Hong Kong. Managed by Japan's Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), the vessel currently poses no sanction risks for the U.S. or EU—despite MOL facing restrictions on three other LNG carriers back in 2025. Significantly, the 'LNG Merak' is transporting LNG sourced from the long-established Yamal LNG project in Russia's Arctic region, distinct from the heavily sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 initiative. The cargo was received on March 6 through a ship-to-ship transfer with the ice-class tanker 'Vladimir Vize', just three days post the 'Arctic Metagaz' disaster. As of now, the intended discharge location for the 'LNG Merak' remains unknown, as the vessel has not indicated a specific destination. However, industry speculation suggests Spain could be the most probable endpoint for the shipment. The incident surrounding the 'Arctic Metagaz' has underscored the increasing peril faced by maritime vessels associated with Russian energy exports, especially as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to influence maritime trade routes. Whether the passage of the 'LNG Merak' heralds a more extensive return of Russian LNG shipments to the Mediterranean is yet to unfold, inviting careful observation from the global energy market.