At the beginning of December 1941, the supply lines between Italy and Libya were in a dire situation: during the previous month, attacks by the Force K had led to the destruction of several Italian convoys (most notably the Duisburg convoy) and the loss of nearly 70% of the supplies sent to Libya, including 92% of the fuel. The Italo-German forces in North Africa, facing a new Allied offensive, were in urgent need of fuel and ammunitions. "Supermarina" (the general staff of the Royal Italian Navy), at the request of "Comando Supremo" (the supreme command of the Italian armed forces), developed an emergency plan of transport of badly needed supplies using warships.