After more than four decades of suspension, cleaning and dredging operations have officially resumed at the Port of Tobruk, marking a major milestone in the port’s redevelopment and modernization efforts.

Dr. Abdulhamid Moussa Awad, Chairman of the Board of Emaar Libya Holding Company, has authorized the start of the project in his capacity as the developer of the Tobruk Free Zone. The decision follows the arrival of the dredger “Abdulfattah 1”, operated by Qasid Khair Company, which reached Tobruk from the Arab Republic of Egypt to carry out the dredging works.

Earlier today, the Tobruk Free Zone hosted an official reception ceremony to mark the arrival of the dredger, alongside the fishing vessel “Rizq 1”, affiliated with the Suez Canal Authority. The project is being implemented through cooperation between Emaar Libya for Marine Fishing, Qasid Khair for Supplies and General Contracting, and other relevant partners.

The event was attended by senior officials, including Dr. Idris Al-Habouni, Chairman of the Board of the Tobruk Free Zone, the Chairman of the Board of the Gulf of Bomba Free Zone, chairpersons of Emaar Libya’s marine fishing and maritime transport companies, the Director of Qasid Khair’s Libya branch, as well as the Director of Customs and the Port Security Director at the Port of Tobruk.

This project forms part of a broader strategy to develop the Tobruk Free Zone and strengthen its economic role by improving port efficiency and increasing its operational capacity. The dredging and cleaning works are expected to enhance navigational safety, allow for the accommodation of larger vessels, and boost commercial and logistics activity in the region.

By restoring and upgrading the port’s infrastructure, the Port of Tobruk is set to regain its strategic importance as a key maritime gateway in eastern Libya, contributing directly to trade facilitation, logistics growth, and the overall support of the Libyan economy.