The damaged Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker Arctic Metagaz has drifted into Libyan waters after being adrift in the Mediterranean for two weeks. According to Italy's civil protection agency, the vessel poses an imminent ecological threat due to its cargo of heavy oil and LNG.
Key Takeaways
The damaged Russian LNG tanker Arctic Metagaz has drifted into Libyan waters, posing a significant environmental risk due to its cargo of heavy oil and LNG. The vessel was part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” and was struck in a suspected drone attack near Maltese waters earlier this month.
- Five EU leaders seek urgent solution for drifting Russian tanker
- Vessel poses 'imminent and serious' environmental threat, according to joint letter sent by five nations
- Tanker carries 90 tonnes of heavy oil or diesel and unspecified amount of LNG
- Libyan authorities now responsible for managing the situation as vessel is within their territorial waters
The Arctic Metagaz, part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” used to circumvent sanctions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine, was struck in a suspected drone attack near Maltese waters earlier this month. The crew is believed to have been rescued between Malta and Libya. The vessel's damaged state has raised concerns about potential leaks into the Mediterranean Sea.
Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, and other EU countries have warned of an imminent ecological disaster in a joint letter to the European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen. A spokesperson for Italy’s civil protection agency stated that while no leaks had been detected yet, there are significant risks associated with the tanker's cargo.
The vessel carries approximately 90 tonnes of heavy oil or diesel and an unspecified amount of LNG. The potential dispersion of these hydrocarbons into the sea poses a substantial environmental threat. Russia’s foreign ministry acknowledged that the Arctic Metagaz was adrift in the Mediterranean, stating Moscow’s involvement would depend on “concrete circumstances.”
Libya has issued navigation advisories urging vessels to exercise caution due to rough seas in the area where the tanker is located. The responsibility for managing the situation now falls under Libyan authorities as the vessel is within their territorial waters.
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