By Libya Herald reporters.
London, 3 October 217:
Extreme caution is necessary for all international shipping sailing in Libyan waters, a Norwegian insurer has warned.
Hours before Benghazi port reopened after three years, the P&I (Protection and Indemnity) Club Gard put out the alert warning in particular vessels navigating coastal waters near Benghazi, Derna and Sirte, the last two ports still being closed.
The Norwegian company’s local correspondents, Gargoum Legal Marine of Benghaz,i recommended foreign ships stick to official sea navigation routes to Libyan ports and make sure their local agents knew of their arrival well in advance, so the authorities could be informed. It also strongly suggested that ships should stay in close contact with the local port administration.
Gard was more bullish about conditions once a vessel had arrived in any of Libya’s 14 working ports .* All were currently considered safe for ships and crew. However, it cautioned that the situation was volatile and risk assessments should be carried out before vessels entered or transited Libyan waters.
* Garda lists the working ports as Benghazi, Tripoli, Misrata, Khoms, Tobruk, Brega, Sidra, Ras Lanuf, Melittah, Zuetina, Hariga, Zawia, Farwah and Bouri.
