In a surprise inspection visit to the Port of Algiers yesterday, Minister of Interior, Local Authorities, and Transport, Said Saayoud, assessed port operations and issued urgent directives to improve efficiency. The visit focused on container handling, unloading processes, and overall port readiness.
The Minister was accompanied by key officials, including the Secretary-General of the Ministry, the Director-General of Merchant Marine and Ports, the Director of Ports, the CEO of the Port Services Group, the Chairman and CEO of the Port of Algiers Authority, the CEO of the Algerian Maritime Transport Group, and representatives from various security agencies.
This inspection is part of a series of field visits by the Minister to monitor port facilities. He reviewed ongoing activities, listened to briefings from the Director-General of the Port of Algiers Authority regarding commercial operations and port management mechanisms.
Minister Saayoud ordered the immediate removal of containers exceeding their legal stay period by customs declarants, acting through legal channels and in coordination with relevant authorities. He emphasized the need to accelerate the processing and unloading of ships to ensure efficient and organized operations. He also directed the completion of the comprehensive development plan for the area, including the development of the new space, with a focus on strengthening rail transport to improve internal movement within the port.
The Minister stressed the importance of adhering to safety and security standards and improving the quality of port services. He highlighted the need to demolish warehouses in the Grand Wharf area to reclaim additional space for container stacking pending removal. He noted the notable progress across all national ports, including a decrease in the number of ships in the port’s roadstead, and called for intensified coordination and enhanced operational readiness.
Furthermore, the Minister instructed the commencement of geotechnical studies and the execution of works on quay number 08, emphasizing the need to accelerate progress in preparation for the upcoming summer season. He concluded his visit with an inspection of the Algiers International Port, where he underscored the necessity of modernizing the port and improving its productivity through the adoption of digital systems to expedite administrative procedures and digitize documents, aligning with directives aimed at supporting the national economy. The key objective is to streamline operations and enhance Algeria’s trade capabilities. These measures are expected to significantly reduce delays and improve the overall efficiency of the Port of Algiers.
