Argus Media Limited

09/10/2021 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/10/2021 06:13

Libya's Es Sider and Ras Lanuf ports resume operations

Crude loading has resumed at the Ras Lanuf and Es Sider ports in eastern Libya after being intermittently disrupted by protests this week, according to trading and shipping sources.

It is not clear if the demonstrators have fully dispersed from the two terminals, but the tanker Kriti Bastion is now loading its cargo at Ras Lanuf. The Yannis P, which has been waiting to load crude at Es Sider, remains in the vicinity of the terminal, according to Vortexa.

Loading operations have also been interrupted by demonstrations at the Marsa el-Hariga terminal in eastern Libya this week. Protesters are still there, a shipping source said.

The issues behind the protests are varied. The demonstrators at Es Sider were demanding the dismissal of state-owned NOC's chairman Mustafa Sanalla, while the protesters at Marsa el-Hariga are students calling for job opportunities.

Libya's flagship Es Sider grade is exported from the Es Sider terminal. Ras Lanuf mainly exports Amna crude, alongside smaller volumes of Sirtica. Marsa el-Hariga loads Sarir and Mesla cargoes for export.

NOC has not declared force majeure on crude exports from any of the three ports.

The oil sector's role as the backbone of Libya's national economy leaves it prone to protests, but field and port disruptions are often short-lived, with the exception of last year's politically driven and militarily sustained blockades that constrained crude production and exports for eight months.

By Ruxandra Iordache