Environmental groups have urged the Federal Government to confirm reports it plans to send the commercial ship Oceanic Viking to monitor the Japanese whaling fleet in the Southern Ocean.

But they have warned against arming the ice-class vessel, saying such a move could further inflame an already delicate diplomatic situation.

The Herald reported today that the Government was considering leasing the P&O ship, Oceanic Viking, to gather photographic and video evidence of illegal whaling that could be used in any international court action against Japanese whaling.