The Municipality of Zwara has confirmed that a distressed Russian vessel, previously located off the Mellitah complex, has now drifted to approximately 44 kilometres from the coastal city, raising concerns over potential environmental risks along Libya’s western shoreline.
According to an official statement, the vessel is continuing to move southwest due to prevailing sea currents and wind conditions. Local authorities stressed that the ship remains under continuous monitoring by relevant agencies, although no on-site intervention has been recorded so far.
The municipality expressed surprise at circulating reports claiming that Libya’s National Oil Corporation, through Mellitah Oil & Gas Company and in cooperation with Italy’s Eni, had contracted a specialised foreign firm to manage the incident several days ago. Officials stated that, despite these reports, there has been no visible operational response or technical action on the ground.
The development has sparked growing concern among local authorities, who warned that the situation could pose environmental threats if not addressed promptly. Zwara Municipality emphasised that safeguarding the marine environment and protecting residents along Libya’s coast must remain a top priority.
Officials also cautioned against focusing solely on protecting offshore oil facilities while overlooking broader environmental risks that could directly impact coastal communities. The municipality called for transparent communication and swift, coordinated action to mitigate any potential fallout from the drifting vessel.
The Mellitah complex, located west of Tripoli, is a key hub for Libya’s oil and gas exports, making any nearby maritime incident particularly sensitive due to the potential implications for both energy infrastructure and environmental safety.
As the vessel continues to drift, attention is likely to intensify on how authorities respond, especially given Libya’s reliance on coastal resources and the strategic importance of its western maritime zone.
