Major shipping lines revamp Algeria services after transshipment ban on Moroccan ports

Leading maritime charter companies, complying with Algeria's ban on transshipment in Moroccan ports for goods destined for Algeria, are reorganizing their services.

In a press release, French giant CMA-CGM announced the immediate rerouting of all goods bound for Oran, Mostaganem, and Ghazaouet (Algeria). These shipments will now transit via Algeciras or Valencia in Spain, instead of Tangier, Morocco.

Maersk, the Danish shipping giant, has chosen to directly reach Algiers, Skikda, and Bejaia in Algeria from Barcelona and Algeciras, effectively shunning Tanger-Med for transshipment. They cite «increased imports from Algeria» as the reason for this route change, requiring «increased network capacity and productivity» to meet demand.

The rerouting coincides with the Professional Association of Banks and Financial Institutions in Algeria (ABEF)'s recent decision, issued two weeks ago, to refuse any transactions involving transport contracts with Moroccan port transshipment. Algerian companies are now required to ensure no transshipment occurs through Moroccan ports.

This decision comes as the European Union implements its new CO2 emissions tax for ships, effective January 1, 2024. 40% of emissions will be taxed in 2024, rising to 100% by 2026. While primarily benefiting Spanish ports, the Algerian restriction is expected to increase transport costs for Algerian importers.