BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Algerian Ports Surge in Efficiency and Volume: Serport CEO Highlights Strategic Reforms and Eid Livestock Operation
Algiers, Algeria | April 23rd, 2025 — In a resounding testament to Algeria’s growing logistical capacity and economic momentum, CEO of the Port Services Group (Serport), Mohamed Karim Eddine Harkati, announced that Algerian ports handled over 31 million tons of cargo and nearly half a million containers during the first quarter of 2025—a record-breaking performance that underscores the nation’s dynamic maritime strategy.
Speaking on National Radio on Tuesday, Harkati detailed a 12% year-on-year increase in container traffic, with 483,983 containers processed between January and March 2025, compared to 429,000 containers during the same period in 2024.
For the entirety of 2024, Algerian ports processed over 130 million tons of goods, marking a 3% growth from 126 million tons in 2023. Notably, non-hydrocarbon goods accounted for 65 million tons, including 18 million tons destined for export, reflecting a significant shift toward economic diversification and outbound trade.
Container throughput for 2024 also reached new heights, with 1.8 million containers handled, representing an impressive 15% jump from 1.5 million units in 2023. This performance places Algeria on track to become a regional logistics hub, with increased competitiveness in international trade circuits.
Eid Livestock Imports: Streamlined and Scaled Up
In parallel to cargo performance, Serport is currently managing a highly coordinated and time-sensitive operation to import one million head of sheep for Eid al-Adha festivities. Harkati revealed that two livestock vessels have already docked at the Port of Algiers, with a third ship expected to arrive by the end of this week, as part of a national operation spanning nine strategic ports across the country.
The CEO emphasized that “green corridors” have been established at the ports for rapid customs clearance, in cooperation with Algerian Customs and the national logistics group Logitrans, ensuring swift transit to quarantine zones and final destinations.
24/7 Port Operations and Structural Reforms Underway
Reinforcing the vision of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who mandated the transition to 24/7 port operations, Harkati confirmed the establishment of a dedicated task force to oversee the phased rollout of continuous work shifts in six major ports: Algiers, Djendjen, Béjaïa, Annaba, Oran, and Mostaganem. This initiative, Harkati affirmed, will extend to all Algerian ports, with the ultimate aim of cutting down vessel dwell time and enhancing trade fluidity.
To support this transformation, Serport has earmarked 29 billion Algerian dinars for the acquisition of state-of-the-art port equipment, including gantry cranes, cargo handling vehicles, and advanced scanning systems, thereby augmenting both operational efficiency and national port competitiveness.
Future-Facing Strategy
With strategic investments in logistics infrastructure, regulatory reforms, and a renewed commitment to digitalization and 24-hour services, Algeria’s ports are experiencing an unprecedented leap forward. The nation is not only facilitating smoother imports ahead of religious celebrations but also positioning itself as a Mediterranean maritime gateway for African, European, and Asian trade.
“We are entering a new era of port governance focused on reliability, transparency, and global standards,” Harkati concluded. “Algerian ports are ready to compete at the highest levels.”
