The Port of Bejaia in Algeria has achieved a new national record in bulk cargo handling, with 15,153 tonnes of maize unloaded from a ship in just 24 hours. This feat was accomplished by the Enterprise Portuaire de Bejaia (EPB), which operates the port. The previous record was surpassed due to a sustained pace maintained without interruption for 24 consecutive hours. The operation involved direct transfer of the maize from the ship's holds to trucks, eliminating the need for an intermediate storage area.
The record-breaking operation took place at Quay No. 21, where the bulk carrier "BUNUN TREASURE" from Santarém, Brazil, had docked with its cargo of maize intended for the Algerian market. Four separate teams worked in succession at an uninterrupted pace throughout the operation. The EPB emphasized the rigor of the organization put in place, both in terms of exploitation and coordination between the different professions mobilized on the site. All stakeholders, including operation agents, vehicle drivers, ship crews, and personnel responsible for security and surveillance, contributed to the final result.
The success of this operation is part of a broader national objective to reduce the time spent by ships in port. Authorities have been seeking to minimize the immobilization of vessels in Algerian port areas for several months. Every hour saved reduces the cost of surestaries and streamlines the rotation of calls. This logic of decongestion is also being applied elsewhere on the coast, such as in Mostaganem, where the port enterprise has launched a vast operation to clean up abandoned stocks.
The handling of bulk cargo remains one of the most closely watched indicators of port performance. Unlike containers, it is closely tied to the availability of equipment, weather conditions, and the ability to chain truck rotations without creating bottlenecks at the port entrance. The Algerian port of Bejaia has demonstrated its capacity to absorb massive cargoes, which is crucial for the country's supply of cereals.
The maize imported through Bejaia primarily feeds the animal feed sector, a sensitive sector for the country's poultry and dairy production. Algerian ports are playing an increasingly important role in the country's external trade. While Bejaia stands out for cereal imports, other platforms are focusing on outbound flows. The port of Skikda shipped nearly 19,000 tonnes of cement and clinker to Italy and Libya in September.
The performance of Algerian ports is improving, with the port of Annaba exporting 26,000 tonnes of Algerian cement to the United States in late September. These operations reflect a growing maritime logistics capacity in Algeria, which has long been criticized for its slowness. The country's ports are working to increase their efficiency and competitiveness.
The Enterprise Portuaire de Bejaia's achievement demonstrates its ability to handle large volumes of bulk cargo efficiently. This record-breaking operation highlights the port's potential to contribute to Algeria's economic growth. The country's ports will continue to play a vital role in its external trade.
Key points
- The Port of Bejaia handled 15,153 tonnes of maize in 24 hours, setting a new national record for bulk cargo handling.
- The operation was part of a broader national objective to reduce the time spent by ships in port.
- Algerian ports are playing an increasingly important role in the country's external trade, with Bejaia standing out for cereal imports.
