LIBYA's political strife has paralysed its cargo handling operations with "huge absences" of port workers, customs officials and security staff, resulting in the closure of many shipping agencies.
Ocean carriers and logistics have deployed contingency plans and are focussed on protecting employees and assets, reported London's Containerisation International.
While most liner companies still appear to be accepting cargo bookings, import cargo is being held back, mainly at transshipment ports such as Gioia Tauro, Marsaxlokk, Taranto and Port Said as ships avoid Libya.
Cargo is also being held in the terminal, as on carriage has become too dangerous. And for exports, deliveries to the ports have stopped with goods held at plants and warehouses.
