Port Overview

The Port of Benghazi is one of the biggest ports in Libya, located in the eastern side of Libya on the Mediterranean coast, with total size: 4,400,000 m². The port is managed by the Libyan Ports Company. The Port of Benghazi resumed operations in October 2017, having suspended operations in 2014, due to internal disruptions. The infrastructure is in workable condition, navigation and buoys are in place. Up until 2007, the Port of Benghazi was the primary gateway for the inward traffic of humanitarian cargo destined to the operations in Sudan and Chad.

The port consists of:

• The old harbour: it contains nine berths (1-9) for receiving general cargo, containers and berthing tugs, the “Old Port “is no longer in use due to infrastructural damage.
• Juliana harbour:  It contains nine berths (10-18) for receiving general cargo and containers, silos, direct delivery goods and bulk items.

The port working hours: From Saturday to Thursday, 7:00 to 18:00. The port still runs limited activities outside of the working hours and during holidays, based on the need.

Key port information may be found at: http://www.maritime-database.com

Port Picture

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Description and Contacts of Key Companies

The Port of Benghazi is managed and operated by the Libyan Ports Company.

For more information on port contacts, please see the following link: 4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List

Port Performance

Channel draft is 12.5 m maximum; 11 m vessel depth can access. The port is not currently congested. Humanitarian shipments are given priority at the port. The port has no major limitations/bottlenecks.

The dedicated port shed, located on the quay side, remains structurally sound, repairs are required to the roof, side panels and the sliding doors. The operating structure requires an infusion of cargo handling equipment, warehouse, and terminal space. All the quay walls have new and serviceable fenders which are in good condition. The average waiting time between arrival and berthing is three days.

The “Old Port “is no longer in use due to infrastructural damage.

Discharge Rates and Terminal Handling Charges

The port tariffs, as advised by the Port Management, are low compared to the other ports of the region, and government subsidies are in place.

On one hand the lower port rates endeavour to keep the costs of the commodities imported into Libya at an affordable rate, however conversely, there is no mechanism in the rates structure or operating budgets to include a percentage for the purchase of equipment, structured maintenance and the development through training of the human capital. The tariffs are very low, being established back to the 1980s. The below table illustrates open yard container storage tariff in Libyan ports in 2020. 

Berthing Specifications

General Cargo Handling Berths

Port Handling Equipment

The port equipment is managed by the government. The Port of Benghazi is managed and operated by the Libyan Ports Company.

Container Facilities

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Customs Guidance

According to the national legislation, all humanitarian cargos are exempted from duties and taxes. Exemption letter/certificate should be obtained from MOFA and sent to port authority prior to shipment arrival.

Once the custom clearance agent provides all clearance documents and finalizes the normal process, the shipment will be temporarily released, and transported (the shipment would be escorted by custom police) to the organization’s warehouse.  Normally it takes from one to three working days to temporarily clear the shipment.

The warehouse will be closed and sealed until the Food and Drug Control Centre tests the commodities and confirms the compliance of the shipment with Libyan standards, thus, issuing the final release.

For more information on customs in Libya, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information 

Terminal Information

MULTIPURPOSE TERMINAL

Benghazi Port berths’ main activity is receiving general cargo / containers / livestock / oil. Libya’s Ports and Maritime Transport Authority put forward a proposal of the Benghazi marine passenger terminal and yacht marina to local investment.

GRAIN AND BULK HANDLING

The available handling option at the port is to discharge grain and bulk directly to trucks or any mobile tanks to store it outside of the port.

Ship-shore bulk handling equipment are located at berth 7. The most significant traffic is liquid bulk, through tankers. Dry bulk consists mostly of grain and cement.

MAIN STORAGE TERMINAL

Stevedoring

The Port of Benghazi is operated by a governmental company, the Libyan Ports Company.

Hinterland Information

All cleared items are moved out of the port by private trucks. The trucks are categorized by size and type, each truck has a sequence number, and all are recorded in a waiting list. The trucks movement process is managed by the Union of Trucks.

Port Security

The port i said to be International Ships and Port Security (ISPS) compliant, presently undergoing an ISPS Audit Level 2.