Maritime charter leaders are adjusting their services in response to Algeria's prohibition on transshipment via Moroccan ports for Algeria-bound goods. CMA-CGM has declared an immediate redirection of all cargoes intended for Oran, Mostaganem, and Ghazaouet in Algeria. These will now transit through Algeciras or Valencia in Spain, bypassing Tangier, Morocco.
Maersk has opted to directly access Algiers, Skikda, and Bejaia in Algeria from Barcelona and Algeciras, effectively avoiding Tanger-Med for transshipment. The company cites increased Algerian imports as the motivation for this route alteration, necessitating greater network capacity and productivity.
The rerouting aligns with a recent decision by the Professional Association of Banks and Financial Institutions in Algeria (ABEF) to reject any transactions involving transport contracts with Moroccan port transshipment. Algerian firms are now mandated to ensure no transshipment takes place through Moroccan ports.
Algerian Ministry clarifies ban
The Algerian Ministry of Transport has provided further details on its recent ban on importing goods via Moroccan ports, specifically Tangier-Med. Although the ban persists, authorities have permitted the continuation of perishable goods imports, such as meat, if loaded onto vessels before the January 10th ban commencement.
This clarification follows the rescheduling of services by international shipping firms like Maersk and CMA-CGM to comply with the initial ban. The Algerian government's action coincides with preparations for the forthcoming Ramadan month, a period when the availability of perishable goods is crucial.
Source: en.yabiladi.com