Damaged Russian Gas Tanker to Be Towed to Libya Amid Environmental Concerns

The Russian gas tanker Arctic Metagaz, abandoned in the Mediterranean after explosions, will be towed to a Libyan port by Libya’s National Oil Corporation in collaboration with Italy’s Eni. Carrying fuel and LNG from Russia to Egypt, the damaged vessel poses an environmental risk, with experts warning of potential long-term pollution in the Mediterranean. The tanker is part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” and has faced US and EU sanctions.

The Russian gas tanker Arctic Metagaz, which was abandoned in the Mediterranean following a series of explosions, is set to be towed to a Libyan port, according to Libya’s state-owned National Oil Corporation. The vessel had been transporting roughly 700 tonnes of fuel along with a consignment of liquified natural gas (LNG) from Russia to Egypt when it was struck by explosions on March 3. Russia has accused Ukraine of carrying out the attack. All 30 crew members on board were rescued, leaving the LNG-laden tanker to drift between Malta and Libya for nearly three weeks, creating a potential environmental hazard in the busy Mediterranean shipping lanes.
Libya’s NOC announced that it would collaborate with the Italian energy company Eni to recover the damaged vessel. Officials emphasized that steps have already been taken to reduce the risk of pollution, and that the operation to tow the tanker safely to a Libyan port would be conducted in coordination with relevant maritime and environmental authorities. AFP footage captured earlier in the month showed the carrier severely listing to one side, its structure blackened and damaged by fire, with two significant holes visible in the midsection of the hull. The images highlighted the precarious condition of the tanker and the potential for environmental contamination if its cargo were to leak.
Italy’s Civil Protection Department confirmed that the Arctic Metagaz remains in international waters but falls within the Libyan search and rescue zone. Authorities described the operation to tow the vessel as particularly complex due to the large breach along the side of the ship, requiring careful planning and specialized equipment. Environmental organizations, including WWF, have warned that any accidental spill of fuel or LNG could result in long-term pollution, threatening one of the Mediterranean basin’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems.
The Arctic Metagaz is believed to be part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” a network of vessels used to transport Russian oil and gas in defiance of international sanctions. As a result, the tanker has faced sanctions from both the United States and the European Union. The recovery of the vessel is therefore not only an environmental and logistical challenge but also carries geopolitical implications, as it underscores the ongoing complexities surrounding the enforcement of sanctions on Russian energy exports. Officials involved in the operation have emphasized that all necessary precautions will be taken to minimize environmental impact, safeguard the surrounding waters, and prevent any leakage of the LNG and fuel cargo during the towing process.
The Arctic Metagaz incident has drawn attention to the growing risks posed by aging or compromised vessels operating in sensitive maritime regions, particularly when they are carrying highly flammable or polluting cargo. Maritime experts note that coordinated international efforts are essential in such situations to prevent accidents and mitigate potential environmental damage, while ensuring that abandoned or damaged ships are recovered safely and responsibly.