Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC) has engaged a specialized international firm to manage potential oil spill and maritime emergency response operations related to a damaged Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker drifting toward the country's coastline. The move comes as the unmanned Russian tanker Arctic Metagaz — severely damaged earlier this month in what Russian authorities described as a Ukrainian naval drone attack — has entered Libyan waters and is being pushed closer to shore by prevailing winds and currents. NOC officials stated that swift action is necessary to neutralize environmental threats within Libyan territorial waters and safeguard the coastline from pollution risks. The corporation assured the public that all Libyan oil installations — including platforms, terminals, and ports — are secure and face no pollution or related hazards from the incident. An emergency operations center has been activated to oversee response efforts, with direct supervision from the NOC Chairman and in close coordination with national authorities.

Source: Libya Observer March 21, 2026 17:58 UTC