The Logistics Sector on the Southern Shores of the Western ... - cetmo

October 2010<strong>The</strong> <strong>Logistics</strong> <strong>Sector</strong>on the Southern Shores of the Western MediterraneanService Provision• In general, the infrastructure, equipment and productivity of Libyan ports is consideredgood by the operators interviewed. <strong>The</strong> only criticisms were in relation to the speed ofpassing cargo through the ports. Current data on the operating capacity of the Libyanport system (not including data for the oil and steel industries) are as follows:Capacity, general cargo(million t/year)14Capacity, TEU 437,000Length, breakwaters (km) 22Length, keywalls (km) 14Hectares (transit, warehouses) 10Hectares (open areas) 150Capacity (passengers) 250,000Draught (m) 13• <strong>The</strong>re is still no PCS allowing everyone involved in the movement of cargo through theport to communicate without paper. However, a pilot test has been started in Alkhomsport with the goal of ensuring that 80% of all port procedures are computerized by 2011.<strong>The</strong> system used in the test will be applied to all the other ports. At the same time, theMinistry of the Economy is implementing a project to create a Single Window System(LSW, Libyan Single Window) to facilitate import and export operations. Both projectsenjoy the participation of the LPMTA and SPC, in addition to other players.• According to the operators interviewed, the main problems that limit the efficiency andquality of service in the maritime and port industries are:<strong>The</strong> working hours of customs are shorter than those of the port operators, whichmakes official procedures lengthier. Furthermore, the new law on the movement oflorries at night means that lorry drivers cannot enter the port to pick up cargo after 4or 5 p.m., which also increases delivery times. <strong>The</strong>se problems are not present inMisurata port, however, where movement between the free zone and the port ispermitted for longer periods of time and where customs is open longer.<strong>The</strong> shipping agents interviewed felt that freight spent too long in the port (around 10to 12 hours, which is particularly long for foreign companies).<strong>The</strong>re is a lack of space to store containers, although projects are being implementedto construct two new container terminals.Customs officials and operators lack knowledge and experience of how to handlehazardous products.Tripoli port is crowded and there are major obstacles to improving its accessibilityowing to the pressures of city traffic. <strong>The</strong> Ministry of Transportation is considering theoption of turning the port into a specialized cruise port and moving its cargooperations to the neighbouring Zwara and Alkhoms ports. A further problem is thecost of road transport: for example, the journey from Misurata to Tripoli (200 km)costs US$150, while the journey from Tripoli to one of the surrounding towns (30 km)costs US$250.50 CETMO