First Tanker Unloads at Libya’s Derna Port after Bombing

The eastern Port of Derna has welcomed the first tanker since the bombing of a Greek-owned tanker by Libyan military forces back in January, the National Oil Corporation of Libya  informed.

Namely, a Maltese-flagged tanker Naftilos delivered a cargo of heavy fuel to Derna’s power plant a week ago, signaling to the oil market that the security situation in Libyan ports is improving, NOC said.

According to Marine Traffic vessel tracking data, the 2003-built tanker is currently underway in the Agean Sea its last port being Istanbul.

The 28,610 DWT M/T Araevo, owned and operated by Aegean Shipping Management and chartered by Libya’s National Oil Corporation, was struck with two bombs while moored at the port on January 4th killing two crew members.

Following the attack, the Libyan Air Force issued a notice saying that any vessels approaching the port of Misrata, Libya will be subject to airstrikes beginning 9 January.

Foreign shippers have stayed clear from the ports since the attack.

The war-torn country has seen numerous airstrikes launched by the Libya’s internationally recognised government against Islamic State militants in the eastern city of Derna.

The most recent attacks at militant positions in Derna were launched earlier this week, Monday and Tuesday, though apparently not hitting the port, Reuters reported.

Armed clashes between the two sides have been ongoing for four years now since the ousting of Muammar Gaddafi.

World Maritime News Staff