Dryad Maritime warns on deteriorating security situation at Libyan ports

UK security firm Dryad Maritime has warned the deteriorating security situation at key ports in Libya seen in recent days could get worse.

Islamic State militants have laid siege to Ras Lanuf and Es Sidr ports in the past week while another port, Zueitina, came under attack on Sunday. Despite this, National Oil Co, Libya’s state run energy giant, claimed it was trying to get a Greek aframax to load at Ras Lanuf this week, the first oil export from that key port since 2014.

“Until the Libyan military, possibly with assistance with an international coalition of forces can control this area, further attacks by Jihadists against port oil facilities are likely,” Dryad warned in a release, adding: “All shipping companies wishing to operate in Libya should only do so after receiving a comprehensive risk assessment to fully understand the potential threats to their crew and vessel.”