Algérie Ferries, the national maritime company of Algeria, has announced changes to its schedule, affecting several crossings between Marseille and Alger. The company is currently operating with only three car-ferries: the Tariq Ibn Ziyad, the Djazair II, and the Tassili II. This reduced capacity has led to a series of reports and cancellations over the past few weeks. The disruptions come as the company's flagship, the Badji Mokhtar III, remains in maintenance at a Greek shipyard.
The latest modifications involve two crossings between Marseille and Alger, initially scheduled for September 23 and 24. According to a company statement, the September 23 Alger-Marseille crossing has been postponed to September 26 at noon, while the September 24 Marseille-Alger crossing has been rescheduled for September 28 at 12:00 PM. The changes were attributed to circumstances beyond the company's control. Algérie Ferries apologized for the inconvenience caused and appealed for passenger understanding.
The Badji Mokhtar III, which has been in maintenance since May, is the company's most recent and largest vessel. Delivered in August 2021, it was built in collaboration with Chinese shipyards in Guangzhou. The company has denied rumors of the vessel's seizure or serious mechanical issues, stating that it is undergoing planned technical maintenance. Algérie Ferries attributed the delay in the work to technical constraints beyond their control.
The current disruptions to Algérie Ferries' schedule have been attributed to the absence of the Badji Mokhtar III and the lack of additional vessels to supplement its fleet. With only three operational car-ferries, the company is struggling to maintain its regular schedule. The situation has been exacerbated by the vessel's extended maintenance period, which has lasted since May.
In a previous statement, Algérie Ferries expressed its commitment to minimizing the impact of the disruptions on its passengers. The company has been working to adjust its schedule and accommodate affected passengers. However, the ongoing challenges have raised concerns about the company's ability to maintain its services.
The disruptions to Algérie Ferries' services have significant implications for passengers and the company's reputation. The repeated schedule changes and cancellations may lead to a loss of confidence among passengers, potentially affecting the company's future operations. Algérie Ferries must address the underlying issues to restore its services to normal.
The company is working to resolve the current challenges and restore its services to normal. With the Badji Mokhtar III expected to return to service, Algérie Ferries aims to resume its regular schedule and provide reliable services to its passengers. The company's efforts to address the disruptions and improve its operations will be crucial in regaining passenger trust.
Key points
- Algérie Ferries modifies schedule due to fleet limitations
- Badji Mokhtar III maintenance causes disruptions
- Company apologizes for inconvenience caused to passengers
