MISRATA, LIBYA — A new Italian-Libyan joint venture, dubbed Mediterranean Bridge, has been established to revitalize and modernize Libya’s fishing sector, targeting the export of premium seafood products to European markets. Italian businessman Nicholas Giacalone announced the partnership, emphasizing a dual focus on commerce and sustainable industrial development.
The new company is a collaborative effort between Italy’s Medina and Libya’s Al-Rubyan Fishing Company. It is strategically headquartered in the Misrata Free Zone, positioning it as a key logistical and processing hub for the region’s marine bounty.
Tech Transfer and Skill Development
Beyond simply exporting, Mediterranean Bridge aims to drive a fundamental transformation of the Libyan fishing industry through technology and skill transfer. The joint venture will establish a modern processing and packaging facility in Misrata, utilizing advanced digital technologies to ensure maximum quality and operational efficiency.
A crucial component of the project involves investing in the local workforce. Comprehensive training programmes will be introduced for young Libyan fishermen through vocational schools, blending traditional classroom education with essential practical, sea-based experience.
Certifying Sustainability with ‘Marsablo’
To ensure competitiveness and meet stringent European import standards, the partnership will launch a joint brand, Marsablo. This brand is designed to certify Libyan seafood products based on rigorous sustainability, food safety, and quality standards, significantly raising their market value and appeal abroad.
“The goal is not just to sell product, but to establish a reputation for excellence and responsibility,” Giacalone told the Italian news agency Nova.
The project’s commitment to environmental stewardship is evident in its initial operational phase. This includes a comprehensive study of fish resources along the coast between Sirte and western Tripoli, utilizing advanced trawl survey technology. Notably, the project will specifically employ nets engineered to protect endangered species, such as sea turtles, by ensuring they are safely elevated above the seabed during fishing operations.
The Mediterranean Bridge initiative represents a significant step toward bolstering economic cooperation between Italy and Libya while providing a framework for the sustainable, technologically-driven growth of the North African nation’s maritime industry.
