EU and Turkish Shipping Company in Standoff Over Weapons Inspections

The EUNAVFOR has raised concerns about a Turkish shipping company, Arkas Line, due to a refusal to allow vessel inspections by the EU operation. The Turkish-registered containership, Matilde A, declined a request for inspection on September 8, leading to a standoff between the company and the EU. Turkey, not being an EU member, has criticized the EUNAVFOR operation as intrusive and unnecessary, accusing it of meddling in its affairs.

EUNAVFOR IRINI, launched in 2020 by the EU to enforce UN Security Council resolutions on arms shipments to Libya, has contacted over 1,000 ships in the past four years, with permission granted for inspections over 500 times. Vessels found in violation are directed to EU ports, and the operation also monitors flights to Libya. Despite these efforts, Arkas Line has a history of denying inspection requests, with six refusals in 2021, three in 2022, two in 2023, and now one in 2024.

Arkas Line, operating since 1996 and as Arkas since 2010, maintains a fleet of 24 vessels with a combined capacity of 126,500 TEUs, servicing ports in the Mediterranean, West Africa, and the Black Sea. Despite this, the company has consistently rejected inspection requests from the EU. Turkey’s stance on Libya, where it has a military presence to support stability, has led to tensions with the EU and UN. Turkey recently signed a new alliance with the Libyan government, providing training, weapons, and drones, potentially violating Security Council resolutions.

The Matilde A, after its refusal of inspection, continued its voyage from Turkey to Libya and arrived at its destination on September 11. The lack of cooperation with EU and UN resolutions, coupled with Turkey’s military involvement in Libya, highlights the ongoing tensions between the parties involved.

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