LPG tanker towed to Latvia after incident at Ust-Luga port, Russia

An LPG carrier left Russia under towage and has arrived at a port in Latvia where further assessment can be performed.

StealthGas revealed updates regarding its LPG carrier Eco Wizard, which was involved in an incident on July 6, 2025.

The incident unfolded during ammonia cargo loading operations at the port of Ust-Luga in Russia.

Following temporary repairs and the acquisition of necessary licenses, the 40,000-cbm (2024-built) vessel has departed from Russia under towage and arrived at a port in Latvia for further assessment.

The Nasdaq-listed StealthGas issued the following statement on December 16: “StealthGas Inc, a ship-owning company serving the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sector of the international shipping industry, announced today further developments in relation to the July 6, 2025 incident involving its LPG carrier Eco Wizard.

“After having completed its temporary repairs and acquired the necessary licenses, the vessel left Russia under towage, and has arrived to a port in Latvia where further assessment can be performed.”

On July 6, 2025, while the LPG tanker Eco Wizard was alongside at the port of Ust-Luga, Russia, during ammonia cargo loading operations, the master reported hearing two explosions. None of the crew was injured, US-listed shipowner StealthGas said.

After the incident, StealthGas said on August 25 in its unaudited financial and operating results report for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2025: “Indications show that the explosions are due to external devices. This is also what has been the case with other similar incidents. It is expected that the vessel will be ready to depart Russia in September and then a plan and work scope for permanent repairs will be prepared. Due to the nature of the incident, the vessel’s relevant insurance underwriters have been notified as per the applicable policy. Ammonia is a common fertilizer and was destined for the EU.”

At the time, StealthGas reported that the “vessel has sustained damage to the engine room and in one cargo tank and it is stable.”