Faced with persistent congestion in several Algerian ports for several months, the Ministry of Transport decided to implement emergency measures. The aim is to reduce vessel waiting times to 24 hours maxand thus limit additional costs, often exorbitant and paid in foreign currencies.
According to an internal note from the Ministry of Transport, dated November 4, 2024, shipping agents are now required to redirect ships to other less congested ports in case of congestion in the port of origin.
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This measure follows a decision by the Council of Ministers last June, which aimed to set up a coordination mechanism to streamline maritime traffic and reduce waiting times.
The Algerian government takes emergency measures to relieve congestion at ports
While this measure should help reduce costs linked to prolonged waiting times at sea, it could create new ones. for importers. Indeed, the transport of goods from the new port of arrival to their final destination could result in additional costs.
Remember that ports from Algiers, Oran, Béjaïa and Skikda are particularly affected by this congestion. This situation had pushed the French shipping company CMA CGM to apply, a few months ago, a surcharge of 150 euros per 20-foot container to these ports.
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This decision by the Ministry of Transport, although restrictive for maritime operators, is necessary to relieve congestion in ports and streamline trade.
In summary, to deal with persistent congestion in several Algerian ports, the government has decided to set up a mandatory redirection mechanism ships to other less congested ports.
This measure, although likely to generate additional costs for importers, should ultimately make maritime traffic more fluid and reduce costs linked to prolonged waiting times.
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