Algiers – On Thursday, October 17, 2024, the Algerian Minister of Transport, Mohamed El Habib Zahana, announced in Algiers that the upcoming establishment of a port authority will align Algeria’s port management practices with modern standards. He emphasized that the authority’s main role will be to enhance the performance of national ports by adhering to international benchmarks, improving their operational efficiency, and boosting competitiveness.
During a public session in the Council of the Nation, presided over by the council’s president, Salah Goudjil, and attended by several government officials, Zahana responded to inquiries about the steps taken to develop Algeria’s port infrastructure and the timeline for launching the new authority. He stated that this initiative aligns with the directives of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and that the Ministry of Transport has begun work to establish a public authority dedicated to modernizing port management, with a specific focus on economic priorities.
The minister explained that the future port authority, expected to become operational in the coming months, will address the challenges and bottlenecks created by the current management system. The goal is to streamline cargo flows, enhance trade exchanges, and improve the status of Algerian ports by adopting international standards. This effort aims to increase productivity and ensure competitiveness. Additionally, the authority will ensure the safety of assets and individuals within the ports and foster cooperation and coordination among various stakeholders operating at these facilities.
Promoting Non-Hydrocarbon Exports and Digitalization
Zahana also mentioned that the new authority will contribute to improving services for economic operators and promote non-hydrocarbon exports through a specialized port strategy. This strategy includes the modernization of existing port infrastructure by renovating and maintaining quays and acquiring modern equipment to increase port efficiency. These improvements will facilitate faster ship loading and reduce vessel turnaround times, thus minimizing demurrage charges paid in foreign currency.
Regarding digital transformation, the minister highlighted that the Ministry of Transport has developed a digital platform for the port community. This system, designed and implemented by Algerian experts, provides stakeholders with real-time access to information and ensures the interoperability of different systems, including the customs information system. As part of this digital integration, a protocol agreement was signed between the public group “Serport” and the General Directorate of Customs.
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Author: nor-eleslam
*Port management, Algeria, modernization, economic development, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, non-hydrocarbon exports, infrastructure renovation, digital transformation, Serport, customs integration
