Benghazi’s Julyana Free Zone reported yesterday that it recorded a significant surge in commercial vessel traffic last year, with 816 ships calling at the port – the highest number recorded in recent years.
The port said that it had experienced a gradual recovery in incoming shipping traffic between 2020 and 2024, a recovery that it considered a clear indicator of the resumption of commercial activity and enhanced confidence in the port's operational capabilities.
Volume of vessels and containers Julyana Free Port 2020-2025
| Year | Vessels | Containers |
| 2025 | 816 | 325,916 |
| 2024 | 665 | 240,181 |
| 2023 | 621 | 197,977 |
| 2022 | 533 | 133,095 |
| 2021 | 640 | 134,535 |
| 2020 | 557 | 165,182 |
A package of development and modernization projects
The port explained that this surge resulted from a package of development and modernization projects implemented by the Julyana Free Zone Authority. These projects included:
- The introduction of modern and advanced unloading machinery and equipment.
- An expansion of the truck fleet to improve the efficiency of transport and handling operations.
- The acquisition of new tugboats to support maritime operations.
- The adoption of an advanced operating system to streamline work within the port.
- Internal and external training and development programmes conducted to enhance employee skills and improve professional performance.
The port also added that streamlining reception procedures, expediting customs clearance, and developing storage facilities and supporting field services were key factors in achieving this growth and enhancing the free zone's attractiveness as a reliable trading partner.
Vehicle imports
Vehicle traffic also increased to 82,767 vehicles in 2025, compared to 61,664 in 2024 and 53,838 in 2023, demonstrating the expansion of trade activity and increased demand for port services.
Dry bulk and general cargo
In the dry bulk sector, the quantities traded in 2025 amounted to about 1.32 million tons, compared to 928 thousand tons in 2024, while general cargo recorded remarkable growth during the past years, which confirms the diversity of activities within the free zone.
The port said these indicators reflect the success of its strategy in developing infrastructure and logistics services, contributing to the consolidation of its position as a vital and competitive hub capable of serving the national economy.
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