Russia’s Ambassador to Libya, Aydar Aganin, praised the efforts of the Libyan authorities in handling the Russian natural gas tanker Arctic Metagaz, including the National Oil Corporation and the Ports and Maritime Transport Authority, to ensure the vessel’s safety and prevent environmental risks.

This came during his meeting on Tuesday with Taher Al-Baour, Foreign Minister of the Government of National Unity, where they discussed the current situation and the prospects for Russian-Libyan relations, affirming their shared interest in strengthening cooperation in various fields.

They also exchanged views on current regional and international issues, according to a post by the Russian Embassy on its Facebook page.

Towing the Tanker

Yesterday, specialized teams managed to reach the Russian natural gas tanker that had approached the coast of the city of Zuwara, secure it, and safely moor it, then towed it to a suitable location, in accordance with a precise technical plan aimed at stabilizing its position and preventing it from drifting toward the coastline, as announced by the Ministry of Defense of the Government of National Unity, as well as the Coast Guard.

The tanker sustained damage on March 3 and lost its ability to maneuver, carrying approximately 62,000 metric tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and about 900 tons of diesel fuel, increasing the risk of serious marine pollution should any of these substances leak.

Earlier this month, the Russian Ministry of Transport stated that the tanker, which was carrying liquefied natural gas from the port of Murmansk in the Arctic, “was attacked by drones belonging to the Ukrainian Navy,” adding that “the weapons were launched from the Libyan coast.”