The London P&I Club has echoed the International Chamber of Shipping's (ICS) warnings over calling at Libyan ports to its members.

The ICS issued a circular to its members yesterday on the security situation in Libya in the wake of confirmed and reported attacks on innocent vessels in Libyan waters.

The Aegean tanker Araevo was bombed in early January and there have been reports of a subsequent bombing this week. The Commander of the Libyan Airforce has stated that airstrikes will be carried out against any ships calling at militant-held Misrata port.

"The [ICS] secretariat has been advised that some flag Administrations have issued notices to the effect that shipowners should carefully consider whether to continue with scheduled calls at Libyan ports given the change in the security situation," the association advised its members.

"ICS strongly recommends that shipowners should contact the P&I Club and War Risk Underwriters for further advice on each specific voyage," it stated in the circular.