An Italian-Libyan joint venture has been officially launched to export seafood from Libya to European markets, marking a significant step in economic cooperation and sustainable development.
The announcement was made by Italian businessman Nicolas Giacalone, director of Medina and owner of the brand Rosso di Mazara, who confirmed the project has received operational approval from Libya’s Government of National Unity.
The new company, Bridge of the Mediterranean, is a partnership between Medina and Libya’s Shrimp Fishing Company. Based in the Misrata Free Zone, the venture will not only focus on seafood exports but also aim to support Libya’s local fishing industry through the transfer of technology, expertise, and vocational training.
A modern seafood processing and packaging facility will be built in Misrata, equipped with advanced digital systems to ensure compliance with European quality and safety standards. The project will also include training programs for young Libyan fishers, combining theoretical instruction with hands-on experience at sea.
The joint venture plans to launch a regional certification brand called Marsablu, which will guarantee sustainability, traceability, and food safety for Libyan seafood products entering European markets.
Initial operations will involve surveying marine resources along the Libyan coast from Sirte to western Tripoli. Fishing will be carried out using environmentally friendly trawl nets and digital systems designed to avoid harming protected species.
In addition to seafood exports, the company will develop new industrial applications, including the extraction of chitin from shrimp shells for biomedical and packaging uses, and hyaluronic acid from tuna eyes for use in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
