Get documentation right or get sunk!

After Libyan war planes on Sunday sank one ship and attacked a second vessel near the eastern city of Benghazi, the maritime security company, MAST, has issued a warning to shipowners trading in the vicinity.

“The Tobruk government conducted the attacks and stated both ships were carrying men and munitions to Benghazi to fight against them,” MAST said. “It appears that both vessels were small, similar in size to fishing boats.”

Also, three tankers have been attacked previously while trying to enter ISIL-held ports.

While the Tripoli-based branch of the National Oil Corporation (NOC) has criticised the Tobruk government for the attacks on vessels, Gerry Northwood OBE, COO of MAST, warned that shipping lines will have to guard against leaving themselves liable for attack.

He said: “Any commercial agreements with the NOC should be scrutinised to confirm which branch (Tripoli or Tobruk) of the NOC has approved it. Entering a port without permits from the branch with jurisdiction for that port could result in the vessel being attacked or arrested.”