✏️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Algiers, Algeria | May 19, 2024 — Ports, vital to economic development and international trade, are now under close scrutiny by Algeria’s Ministry of Transport. During a working visit to Jijel, Transport Minister Habib Zahana highlighted the importance of adhering to strict standards in port management. This visit included inspections of various sectoral projects in the region.
Emphasis on Compliance and Productivity
Minister Zahana stressed the need for ports to comply with specific standards, including loading and unloading times, dock stay durations, and security measures for container movements and inspection periods. He emphasized that all ports would be rigorously monitored based on these criteria, with the aim of enhancing management to boost productivity. “We are more than ever required to increase the scope of these standards and thus improve productivity,” Zahana declared, adding that “all ports will be strictly supervised according to these criteria.”
Reorganizing Management Frameworks
“It is imperative to reorganize the framework and mode of management at ports,” Zahana stated firmly, asserting that “complacency is not an option in this context!” He also highlighted the significant challenge facing his sector in meeting the objectives set by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune regarding exports, reducing quay stay durations, and improving all port-related operations. “Achieving international standards in container movements, grain loading, and solid material handling is crucial to supporting economic operators in the export sector and the state’s efforts in this regard,” he insisted.
Strategic Development Goals
The state’s goals to develop the economy and prepare Algeria to become a major player in Mediterranean maritime trade and a gateway for goods transit to and from Africa necessitate modernizing port management and resources. For instance, the Port of Algiers reduced the average quay stay of ships from 3.60 days in Q3 2022 to 3.27 days in the same period in 2023. This improvement particularly benefited grain, cargo, livestock, and bitumen vessels.
Extension and Modernization Projects
Several major commercial ports in Algeria are undergoing expansion and modernization to meet international standards and accommodate larger cargo ships. The Port of Jijel, which the minister visited, is set to complete the first phase of its quay extension by the end of June. “The extension of its capacity will allow us to achieve our main objective of accommodating all large ships,” Zahana stated.
Two shiploaders will be operational in the Port of Djen Djen by the first half of 2024, enabling faster docking and departure of ships, reducing wait times, and minimizing costly delays in anchorage.
Strategic Port Developments
Other ports are also experiencing significant development. The new petroleum port in Skikda, a strategic project by Sonatrach, aims to increase hydrocarbon loading and unloading capacities, enhancing the export potential of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
In Oran, the Port of Arzew is undergoing expansion to complete two quays for ship repair, enabling maintenance of large vessels. This project will further boost the export and import movement of goods and improve service quality, encouraging non-hydrocarbon export promotion.
Minister Zahana’s rigorous oversight and commitment to modernizing port management are crucial steps towards achieving Algeria’s economic and trade objectives. By adhering to international standards and improving productivity, Algeria’s ports can significantly contribute to the country’s economic revival and positioning as a key player in global maritime trade.
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