LNG vessel on fire off Malta

The Ukrainians don’t want you to forget that there is another conflict still going on:


LNG from the Arctic ablaze. The Arctic Metagaz was on its way from Russia’s far northern Kola Peninsula to Egypt when it was attacked, presumably by a drone. Photo: @sternenko on X

Photo from Marinetraffic:

In better days:

Dr. Bugge. May i ask U a question?

I may. Thank You.

Are You not one of the Barents observer editors?

No, just a follower.
As I am of many other newscasts, bloggs, podcasts and mainstream media.
(As are you I believe)

Sameo , sameo . The more sources one follows, the more balanced view one may have.
Cheers.

Arctic Metagaz not sunk!
Still afloat, drifting & dangerous…
https://www.transport.gov.mt/include/filestreaming.asp?fileid=11402

After the Malta patrols, the Italian CG checking it out…

Plane obviously watching 2 objects - I think the other must be sanctioned RUS tanker “Jupiter”, loitering nearby.


Thursday edit (1520Z)
Damaged Russian gas tanker drifting west of Malta, Transport Malta says

Updated Notice to Mariners
(https://www.transport.gov.mt/include/filestreaming.asp?fileid=11410)
Italians checkin it out, Jupiter still nearby


Strange it was reported as sunk , Just looked into it they think the LNG onboard might be keeping it afloat

Looking at wind & current f/c, it could be bimbling around there for a while.
Just a thought - the much reported dash of HMS Dragon from UK to Cyprus should set up an opportunity for a drive-by gunnery exercise!
“Four Five - surface target, shoot, engage, engage, engage!”
(or do they not say that anymore? It’s been a while)

Italian patrol palne around it all morning, then Maltese helo. No new press.

“bimbling”

Thought I knew all the British slang - I need to work that into a conversation!

Maltese Cross, Italians too!
(WWF wtf)
https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/140327/italian_government_holds_emergency_meeting_over_lng_tanker_adrift_between_malta_and_lampedusa
(and google tranlate these from Sicily)

https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/140340/transport_malta_engages_international_salvage_company_as_arctic_metagaz_drifts_closer_to_shore
2 of 4 LNG tanks still intact/full

Well, the wind changed, and after 3 days of Northerlies it’s moved ~60nm south. A few days more of the same is forecast.
So it looks like the gas tanker is going back to the loading terminals and rigs of the gas fields…
… off Libya!!


Oops, hit the 3 reply limit - update edit
… progress confirmed in reports today (18th)…
Stricken Russian LNG tanker drifts out of Malta SAR
111nm from Malta means about 20nm from Libya’s oil/gas installations…
" responsibility for the drifting ship is now Libyan authorities’ "

Update edit 1800 18th -
Now reported in Libya - oil/gas fields on alert…

A damaged Russian LNG tanker that has been drifting unmanned in the Mediterranean for more than two weeks, risking a major ecological disaster, is four to six days from Libya’s shores, an Italian official said on Friday.

Fire-Damaged LNG Tanker Arctic Metagaz Could Reach Libyan Coast Within Days, Officials Warn

Multiple daily air patrol flight tracks and position of shadow tanker “Jupiter” [screenshot 2335Z Fri] show that Arctic Metagaz is just East of & in sight of the Libyan oil/gas fields! MSM is a bit slow on this.

Todays patrols of the Russian LNG wreck circling directly over the Bouri Field - must be in the middle of it now


Libya hires firm to tackle stricken Russian tanker drifting towards coast

Libya Attaches Towline to Drifting Russian-Flagged Gas Carrier