Libya Backs Down on Damaged Russian Tanker, Leaves It Drifting Offshore
In a sudden reversal, Libyan authorities have announced they will not bring the damaged Russian tanker Arctic Metagaz to shore, contradicting statements made just last week that the vessel would be towed to safety near the port of Zuara [1].
The Arctic Metagaz has been drifting since it was attacked on 3 March—allegedly by Ukrainian maritime drones—and currently carries approximately 700 tonnes of oil and diesel, along with two tanks of liquefied natural gas [1]. At one point, the vessel had drifted to within 100km of Malta before moving towards the Libyan coast [1].
Libya's National Oil Corporation confirmed the decision, stating through a specialised committee under the government of national unity that the first phase of their response plan—moving the tanker away from the coast—had been successfully implemented [1]. The committee claimed there are currently no gas leaks and described the environmental situation as "completely safe" with no indication of imminent risks [1].
"The vessel and accompanying tugboats remain stationary several miles offshore."
Last week, Libyan authorities had suggested they had taken control of the situation after successfully attaching tugboats to the tanker [1]. That optimistic assessment has now been abandoned.
The reversal raises questions about Malta's proximity to the situation. As the tanker had drifted within striking distance of our islands, many locals will be relieved it's moved away—but concerned it's been left in international waters without a clear resolution.
No country has offered to accept the tanker into its waters, and experts have warned that any operation to offload the fuel and gas would be delicate and hazardous [1]. The situation highlights the complexities of dealing with damaged vessels operating in contested waters.
The Arctic Metagaz is part of Russia's so-called "shadow fleet," which operates under international sanctions related to the war in Ukraine [1]. Such vessels often switch off their location transmitters, as the Arctic Metagaz did shortly before the attack [1]. A second Russian vessel, the MV Jupiter, has also been in the vicinity since early March [1].