The Director-General of the National Company for Maritime Passenger Transport, Abdelhakim Bouzaher, announced on Wednesday an anticipation to transport 243,000 passengers during the upcoming summer, compared to 206,000 passengers in the same period in 2023, representing an 18% increase.
During a hearing session before the National People’s Assembly’s Committee on Transport, Telecommunications, and Wired and Wireless Communications, Bouzaher explained that the company expects an increase in the number of passengers on its ferries, with an estimated addition of 63,900 passengers in the summer of 2024, along with a 19% increase in the number of transported vehicles.
The spokesperson also anticipated that the number of scheduled trips by the company would reach 292 trips, an increase of 49 trips compared to the previous season, where the number of trips was 243.
In addition to the four ships owned by the National Company, a fifth ship will be leased starting from February to enhance its transport capabilities.
Regarding this new ship, the Director-General stated that its capacity is estimated at 1,650 beds and around 450 vehicles.
The statement also mentioned that the company’s fleet of ships (four large ships and two small excursion ships) will undergo regular maintenance or renewal operations in preparation for the summer season. The Director-General emphasized ensuring passenger safety by strengthening the company’s human resources.
On another note, the official revealed plans to establish two model ticket-selling agencies, one in Oran and another in Algiers, soon.
