Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) announced that it has contracted a specialized company to handle a damaged Russian tanker drifting in the Mediterranean Sea toward the Libyan coast, amid rising concerns over a potential environmental disaster.
In a statement, the NOC said the vessel, identified as the Arctic Metagaz, will be secured and towed to a Libyan port as part of precautionary measures to contain any possible risks. The corporation stressed that Libya’s oil facilities are not currently under threat, noting that the situation is being closely monitored and managed.
The tanker has drawn international attention in recent days. Italy, France, Spain, and several other southern European Union countries warned the European Commission that the vessel poses an “imminent and serious risk” of a major ecological disaster in the Mediterranean.
According to Russian authorities, the Arctic Metagaz has been without a crew since early March after reportedly being targeted by Ukrainian maritime drones. Ukraine has not confirmed involvement in the incident.
Italian civil protection officials said the tanker is currently located in international waters within Libya’s search and rescue zone, approximately 53 nautical miles north of Tripoli. While the vessel has sustained significant structural damage, including a large breach in its hull, officials believe it is not in immediate danger of sinking.
However, concerns remain over the environmental risks posed by the drifting tanker. It is estimated to carry around 450 tons of heavy fuel oil and 250 tons of diesel, in addition to an unspecified quantity of liquefied natural gas. Some of the gas cargo may have partially evaporated or leaked, increasing uncertainty about the vessel’s condition.
Experts warn that the main risk lies in the possibility of the tanker running aground or colliding with offshore infrastructure, although no nearby oil platforms have been identified in its current path.
Libyan authorities say contracting a specialized salvage company is a preventive step aimed at avoiding environmental damage and ensuring safe handling of the vessel. The incident highlights the importance of rapid coordination to address maritime risks in the Mediterranean.