‘Arctic Metagaz’ Towing Operation Heads Toward Maltese Waters As Plans for Cargo Removal Unclear

The fate of the damaged tanker Arctic Metagaz remained uncertain as a Libyan-led towing operation pushed the vessel farther into the central Mediterranean, raising fresh questions about salvage plans, jurisdiction, and mounting weather risks.

The Russian-linked tanker, which has been adrift since early March following a reported blast, had been taken under tow by Libyan authorities in recent days after weeks of drifting near the coast. Officials assembled a convoy of tugs, including the Maridive 701, and began moving the vessel slowly eastward, initially in the direction of Misrata and away from sensitive offshore oil and gas infrastructure.

But recent tracking