Following the current volatile conditions in Libya, North’s Libyan correspondent Gargoum Group Co informed that on 15 March 2021 the Libyan Navy lifted restrictions placed on Turkish flagged ships.
Specifically, the General Command of the Libyan National Army, led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, announced that they have granted permission for commercial ships carrying the Turkish flag to enter the seaports in eastern Libya.
This comes after the new Libyan national unity government took over the management of the country’s affairs in a step towards ending the division between the authorities in the east and west.
Therefore, Turkish-flagged vessels are now permitted to trade to all Libyan ports provided legal cargo trading.
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To remind, the situation in Libya remains extremely volatile. Therefore, vessel operators are recommended to contact local ship’s agents and P&I Correspondents for the most up-to-date information on Libyan ports.
According to the club, vessels should report their schedules (to local port agents) prior to arrival at any Libyan port, including a declaration of the vessel’s sailing route, whether they are loading or discharging cargo and the type of cargo on board, so that the agents can notify the appropriate authorities.
Concluding, vessels should avoid navigating in the coastal waters of Benghazi, Derna and Sirte, including the militarised area south of 34 00’N.
Explore the current port and terminal status in Libya here: