Lng-Merak Vessel Reviews and Specifications

On March 14, 2026, the LNG carrier 'LNG Merak' made headlines as it entered the Mediterranean Sea, marking the first Russian LNG shipment since the catastrophic explosion that destroyed the 'Arctic Metagaz'. This significant entry comes in the wake of Russia redirecting its LNG shipments following the incident, which raised concerns over maritime security in the region. 'LNG Merak' successfully navigated the Strait of Gibraltar and was observed heading northeast along the Spanish coastline. Following the aftermath of the 'Arctic Metagaz' explosion, Russia's response included rerouting LNG carriers to keep them clear of potential threats posed by Ukrainian maritime drones. This cautious approach saw several vessels, including those tied to Russia's clandestine fleet of LNG carriers, change course, with five vessels redirecting towards the Cape of Good Hope, and others making immediate U-turns mid-journey. One LNG tanker even opted to anchor off Port Said at the entrance to the Suez Canal rather than proceed into the Mediterranean. The arrival of 'LNG Merak' may indicate a shift in these precautionary measures, yet it stands apart from previously diverted carriers. Unlike the sanctioned 'Arctic Metagaz', the 'LNG Merak' operates under standard commercial terms and is flagged in Hong Kong, managed by Japan's Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL). Notably, neither the vessel nor its operator currently faces U.S. or EU sanctions, although MOL had three other LNG carriers momentarily blocked by the EU in 2025. The 'LNG Merak' is loaded with cargo from the long-established Yamal LNG project in the Russian Arctic, rather than the heavily sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 development. The ship received its cargo on March 6 through a ship-to-ship transfer with the ice-class tanker 'Vladimir Vize' near Kildin anchorage off Murmansk, just days following the 'Arctic Metagaz' explosion. While the destination of 'LNG Merak' remains undisclosed, speculation points to Spain as a likely drop-off point. The previously mentioned incident underscores the escalating risks encountered by vessels involved in Russian energy exports as the conflict in Ukraine continues to disrupt maritime trading routes. Whether 'LNG Merak's' journey heralds a broader resumption of Russian LNG shipments in the Mediterranean is still uncertain.