Libya Tows Damaged Russian LNG Tanker Drifting to its Coast

The Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU) confirmed that coast guard units began towing the Russian-flagged Arctic Metagaz away from the western port of Zuwara after it drifted unmanned for weeks. The vessel had been adrift since early March following what Russia’s Transport Ministry described as a Ukrainian naval drone strike.

The tanker, carrying liquefied natural gas from Murmansk, approached Libya’s coastline without a crew, raising safety concerns across the region.

Nine southern European countries, including Italy, France and Spain, warned the European Commission that the vessel posed “an imminent and serious risk of a major ecological disaster.” The warning underscored concerns over LNG containment and maritime navigation hazards in a heavily trafficked basin.

Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) said there was “no leakage of cargo until now,” adding that conditions remained stable with no immediate environmental threat.

GNU Transport Minister Mohamed Al-Shahoubi said the NOC had been tasked with unloading the cargo and coordinating with Russian and Maltese authorities. The operation aims to secure navigation routes and prevent escalation of risk across the Mediterranean.

A video released by the government showed a naval frigate towing the vessel using a heavy towline. Coast guard commander Omar Mohamed Omar Al-Tuwair said the tanker had been successfully moved away from Zuwara and nearby Sabratha.

“We assure our people… that the relevant authorities are making every effort to deal with the situation,” he said.

Russia’s Transport Ministry stated that the drones responsible for the strike were launched from Libya. Neither Ukrainian nor Libyan authorities have commented on that claim, leaving attribution unresolved.

The incident reflects how the Ukraine war is extending into maritime domains, with energy infrastructure and transport routes increasingly exposed.

The Arctic Metagaz case illustrates the fragility of LNG supply chains, where a single disabled vessel can create multi-state risk across trade, environment and security. Authorities have not disclosed the tanker’s final destination.