(Ecofin Agency) - The National Oil Corporation (NOC) in Libya has announced that an agreement has been made by rival forces to let a tanker berth at Zueitina port to load oil and transport it the Al-Zawiya refinery.

This is due to concerns of a possible clash between the Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG) and forces loyal to eastern commander Khalifa Haftar.

The PFG had signed a deal with the U.N.-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli to put an end to the blockage of the Zueitina port and two other ports, but forces loyal to a separate government in the east have threatened to block any recommencement of exports at the ports.

“NOC can confirm, that after considerable efforts, we have received the consent from all relevant parties to permit the Greek flag vessel New Hellas to enter Zueitina terminal in order that it will transfer a shipment to Zawiya refinery in western Libya,” the NOC said.

The Zueitina storage tanks contain about 3,080,000 barrels of crude oil and 180,000 barrels of condensate. The tanker would convey about 620,000 barrels of oil at once to Zawiya, and another ship would be hired to finish the process as soon as possible.

“I want to express my appreciation to all sides for heeding our request. It was the right thing to do and I think shows that when the opportunity arises, we Libyans can do the right thing. Instead of all being harmed, all will benefit,” Mustafa Sanalla, NOC Chairman told Reuters.

Anita Fatunji