Libya: Port situation

Vessels should not navigate in or near to the coastal waters of Benghazi, Derna and Sirte, including the militarised area south of 34 00’N. All vessels are advised to sail further out to sea to avoid potential arrests by the Libyan National Army (LNA) who will impose a hefty fine of LD 150,000 (approx. USD 107,000).

All tankers loading from a port in Libya should undertake all pre-checks and compliance measures to ensure that the intended cargo for loading is not classified as “illegal” – i.e. one that has not been authorised by Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC). The Libyan NOC has the sole rights and control of all oil exports from the country.

Turkish vessels and crew should not call at any Libyan East ports (Tobrok, Derna, Benghazi, Zuetina, Brega, Ras Lanuf terminals) due to the warning issued by the Libyan National Army (LNA) in response to Turkey’s continued support and involvement with Libya’s UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) and the fights occurring around the capital (Tripoli).

The issued COVID-19 procedures and instructions for vessels calling at a port in Libya should be strictly complied to. Vessels calling at Libyan ports should seek clarification on the requirements in ample time prior to arrival with the local agent.

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.

All vessels intending to call at Benghazi should submit to their appointed local port agent their cargo declaration along with the vessel’s and owner’s particulars, and P&I club details prior to arrival.

All tankers loading from a port in Libya should undertake all pre-checks and compliance measures to ensure that the intended cargo for loading is not classified as “illegal” – i.e. one that has not been authorised by Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC). The Libyan NOC has the sole rights and control of all oil exports from the country. Shipowners and managers should obtain a certificate of origin from the charterers to evidence that the shippers are the National Oil Company (NOC) or an approved legal entity of the NOC.

The charterers should perform checks to ensure the legitimacy of cargo interests and if they are permitted to legitimately ship oil cargoes from Libya. A formal letter or document to prove that the shippers are authorized by the NOC to ship the cargo should be obtained.

Tankers delivering fuel oil at a port in Libya should leave Libyan waters upon receiving port clearance and without delay and where possible, to head straight for the next port of call without deviation. This is to ensure that no possible accusations or suspicions of smuggling can be levied upon the vessel.

The COVID-19 procedures and instructions are to be complied with on arrival, during pilotage and whilst operating alongside berth.

The quoted 14-day quarantine period includes the transit time from the previous port.

Crewmembers working outside the accommodation to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and observe strict social distance of three metres from stevedores.

Although the document mentions remote pilotage services, Skuld’s correspondent has reported that in most cases the pilot still boards the vessel with full PPE.

Implement measures as per the ship's security plan equivalent to Security Level 2;

Ensure that each access point to the ship is guarded and that the guards have total visibility of the exterior (both landside and waterside) of the vessel. Guards may be:

Attempt to execute a Declaration of Security;

Log all security actions in the ship's security records; and

Report actions taken to the cognizant US Coast Guard Captain of the Port prior to arrival in the US.