Misrata Free Zone (MFZ) port announced yesterday that it had received an improved safety classification in accordance with the requirements of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS-Code).
The improved safety classification covers bulk carrier, oil tanker and cargo ships and is valid for five years.
MFZ said the new classification is considered one of the most important certificates given to ports around the world after reviewing and studying the port’s evaluation and security plans and visiting the port. MFZ said the improved certification helps increase the classification of the port globally and attracts new shipping lines and reduces ship insurance.
Speaking exclusively to Libya Herald, Aladdin Baba, Director of the Marketing and Media Department of the MFZ, confirmed that the MFZ port has fully fulfilled the requirements of the new classification’s security plan. This enables it to confront any risks that may occur inside the port and a method of rapid response with the development of alternative plans in the event of any breach.
He explained that Libya’s Ports and Maritime Transport Authority, as the sovereign authority authorized to sign agreements with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) conducts examinations, training, experiments, and tests on the status of applying the standards required by the organization. Thus, the MFZ port gets classification No. 1, which is the highest classification in terms of applying the requirements of the IMO organization.
Baba added that among the most important results that the MFZ reaped from obtaining this classification, is that ships do not need a commitment from the Port Authority on their safety, so they enter comfortably and without complication, given that the port is classified as very safe.
He said the improved classification will lead to an increase in shipping lines and the increase in the number of ships heading to the port, which will also positively affect insurance prices and, accordingly, the prices of goods and commodities.
