Cairo: The Libyan ports of Ras Lanuf (Rasco), Ras Lanuf 'Harouge', Benghazi and Es Sider are currently closed after armed conflict in the west of the country. Zuietina port is also closed due to strike action, according to an advisory issued today by Inchcape Shipping Services.
The ports of Mellitah and Zawia are open, but crude oil loading has been suspended. All other ports in Libya are open and operating normally, ISS said.
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has advised its members to reconsider making Libyan port calls in light of recent attacks on vessels.
"The [ICS] secretariat has been advised that some flag Administrations have issued notices to the effect that shipowners should carefully consider whether to continue with scheduled calls at Libyan ports given the change in the security situation," the ICS said in a circular.
Shipowners should contact their P&I Club and War Risk Underwriters for advice on specific voyages, the ICS advised.
Last week, a second vessel was bombed by the Libyan National Army (LNA). Some reports claim the vessel was a fishing trawler, which was attempting to deliver gasoline to the Ansar Al-Sharia militia.
Two crew were killed on January 5 when the 26,000-dwt tanker Araevo (built 1991), owned by Greece’s Aegean Oil, was bombed by the LNA off the Port of Derna. [19/01/15]
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