Shipping services are gradually returning to Tripoli following the ending of European Union (EU) sanctions against various entities in Libya. This follows the uprising in the country against former leader Muammar Gaddafi and the imminent arrival of the National Transitional Council as the new government. The NTC is scheduled to move from Benghazi to Tripoli this week.

    The EU had imposed trading/fiscal sanctions on many different businesses, including banks/fiscal institutions, oil companies and transport concerns. This included the six port authorities: Tripoli, Al Khoma, Brega, Ras Lanuf, Zawia and Zuwara.

    The EU action means that ocean carriers, logistics companies etc can now trade freely and without the risk of penalties/fines being imposed on them.

    Already several humanitarian relief ships have sailed to Libya, with the country desperately short of medical supplies, water and food.
Meanwhile, Maersk and CMA CGM have both announced that they will reintroduce their feeder/liner links in the next few days.

    While stability is gradually returning to the country there are pockets of trouble with troops loyal to Gaddafi continuing to fight.

    Moreover, it is unclear as to the condition of the infrastructure and equipment in some of the ports, given the fighting that has taken place in the country for more than six months.
 

(source:ci-online)