The Algerian port of Béjaïa's new maritime terminal has been operational for over a year, but its full potential remains untapped. When it was inaugurated in June 2018, port officials promised that several international operators were in discussions to launch direct lines to various Mediterranean destinations. These destinations included Tunis in Tunisia, Barcelona in Spain, Genoa in Italy, and Split in Croatia, in addition to increased national cabotage to Alger and Annaba.
Despite these assurances, only one new line has been added - the Tassili II car-ferry service from Marseille to Béjaïa, which was secured through the intervention of the local wali, Ahmed Maabed, with the Ministry of Transport. According to the wilaya's communication officer, a dossier has been prepared and submitted to the Ministry of Transport to open new maritime lines and maximize the use of the new terminal. However, this has yet to come to fruition.
The delays in launching new lines have raised questions about the credibility of previous promises made by the former head of the Béjaïa Port Enterprise. The official had stated that the new terminal would be able to handle 500,000 passengers and 100,000 vehicles per year and improve conditions for passengers and vehicle transit. The terminal was also expected to be served by multiple foreign companies in addition to the national carrier, ENTMV.
One of the proposed lines that had generated significant interest was a route to Tunisia, which would have benefited thousands of Algerians traveling to the neighboring country. However, for now, the port of Béjaïa is only connected to Marseille. Local authorities are working to finalize the dossier and secure new lines, which would provide relief to families currently forced to travel by road, train, or air.
The wilaya of Béjaïa remains committed to realizing the potential of its maritime terminal. Efforts are underway to prepare a comprehensive plan to increase the number of lines and destinations served. This plan is expected to be submitted to the Ministry of Transport in the hope of securing approval and facilitating the launch of new services.
The Béjaïa port authority had envisioned that the new terminal would not only increase passenger and vehicle traffic but also provide a much-needed boost to the local economy. With the port's strategic location, officials believe it can play a vital role in Algeria's maritime trade and tourism sectors.
As the situation stands, residents and travelers alike are eagerly awaiting the realization of the planned maritime lines. With continued efforts from local authorities and the Ministry of Transport, there is hope that the port of Béjaïa will eventually live up to its potential and become a major hub for maritime activity in the region.
Key points
- Only the Marseille-Béjaïa line has been added since the new terminal's inauguration.
- Local authorities have prepared a dossier to open new maritime lines.
- The port's new terminal was designed to handle 500,000 passengers and 100,000 vehicles per year.
