Awaiting El-Hamdania Port: Djen Djen, Unavoidable Gateway to African Market

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

ALGIERS- The extension of the Djen Djen port in the wilaya of Jijel will enable Algeria to become the main commercial gateway of the southern Mediterranean and the unavoidable entry point for the African market.

This ambitious project, focusing on the eastern part of the port, is expected to enhance Djen Djen’s commercial port infrastructure, allowing it to become a maritime link rivaling the largest ports in the Mediterranean in terms of cargo traffic handling and the number of export and import operations at regional and continental levels.

The project was reviewed by the government in May 2022, with a presentation by the Minister of Public Works on this port extension aimed at transforming it into a port hub. The objective of this project is to increase the capacity of the Djen Djen port and integrate it into the network of major Mediterranean ports, according to the goals set by the government.

The extension of the Djen Djen port is thus a strategic operation aimed at increasing cargo handling and optimizing non-hydrocarbon exports through new maritime routes to African countries. It is planned to build connecting docks stretching 3.2 km with a draft of less than 19 meters in depth over an area of ​​350 hectares, with a logistics area of ​​86 hectares. The new quay berths in this extension will expedite the chartering process for massive merchant ships and long container carriers, thereby reducing maritime transport costs.

Shorter deadlines and reduced rates by up to 25%

According to Hassan Kacimi, an expert in geopolitical matters, “the Djen Djen port can become the largest in the Mediterranean serving the entire African continent.” It has the advantage, he continues, of being connected to transportation networks, notably the railway and the east-west highway at the Bordj Bou-Arréridj penetration, connected to the Tindouf-Zouérat road (Mauritania).

According to Kacimi, “within just one week, goods can be delivered to West African countries, including Senegal, Nigeria, and Mauritania,” adding that the current delivery time for goods to these countries via maritime route is at least 25 days.

Regarding transportation costs, the expert explained that thanks to the Djen Djen port, transport costs could see a significant reduction, reaching up to less than 25%. He also indicated that by the end of 2024, large-capacity ships will be able to dock at the port thanks to the extension and development works underway. It is worth noting that the current trend in shipbuilding is focused on the construction of very large vessels capable of carrying 200,000 tons and up to 25 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units).

This project is part of the state’s approach aimed at strengthening the country’s logistical capabilities by implementing several structural projects, including the construction of the large El-Hamdania port (in the wilaya of Tipaza), as well as the extension of railway networks from north to south, in addition to the trans-Saharan highway. The ultimate goal is to connect Algerian ports to African markets to enable Algeria to access African markets and prepare for the creation of free trade zones.

Translated from: L’Algerie Aujourdhui

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