Towage of damaged Russian LNG tanker fails after adverse weather

The fate of the damaged LNG tanker Arctic Metagaz remains uncertain as a Libyan-led towing operation which is currently ongoing remains technically challenging.

In recent days, the towing operation has faced a number of difficulties due to adverse weather conditions.

Libyan authorities reported last week that towing efforts broke down in worsening weather conditions.

The last attempt on March 2 to tow the 2003-built vessel failed due to severe weather conditions amid strong winds and high seas.

“The tugboat is unable ​to return to re-tie it under these hazardous ⁠weather conditions,” the authorities said in a ​navigational warning letter on Thursday.