Valued at 25 billion dinars, the third basin project for the commercial port of Mostaganem aims to fundamentally transform local maritime infrastructure. Through this major initiative, coupled with an advanced equipment plan and the modernization of existing basins, the facility is preparing to accommodate large-capacity vessels while supporting continuous trade growth.
The third basin of the commercial port of Mostaganem stands out today as an indispensable strategic lever to expand the operational capacity of this vital maritime hub and support the long-term growth of cargo and container traffic. This large-scale undertaking was highlighted Monday afternoon during the official visit of the Minister of Interior, Local Assemblies, and Transport, Said Sayoud, to the province.
This extensive construction project involves building a modern new quay alongside a basin featuring a depth of 15 meters. This technical layout will allow the port of Mostaganem to accommodate high-tonnage vessels ranging between 60,000 and 80,000 tons under optimal conditions, opening fresh perspectives for regional foreign trade.
The execution of this new infrastructure comes at a crucial moment when the port’s current operational limits must be consolidated and diversified to handle rapidly evolving traffic volume. From this forward-looking perspective, the minister stressed that while dredging the first two basins and deepening them to 9 meters represents a major technical step forward, these measures alone remain insufficient to meet the future demands of international shipping.
To date, technical studies dedicated to the third basin show a satisfactory completion rate exceeding 50 percent. Their upcoming finalization will allow authorities to launch the regulatory procedures required for official project enrollment and field execution. The main goal remains endowing the port with a modern terminal calibrated to absorb continuous volume increases and adapt to shifts in global shipping.
Alongside this major expansion project, strict directives were issued to accelerate dredging operations in the two operational basins and properly prepare logistics platforms supporting overall port operations. Two massive storage zones, covering 10 and 5 hectares respectively, are directly targeted for upgrades. The minister also insisted on equipping water areas with appropriate nautical and technological tools to ensure smoother docking and cargo-handling operations.
Strengthening material resources represents another foundational element of this global overhaul. An ambitious equipment initiative currently underway mobilizes an additional financial allocation of 8 billion dinars. This program covers the acquisition of high-performance machinery, including modern forklifts, reach stackers, and specialized electromechanical systems. Furthermore, installing a high-tech scanner stands as a priority, aimed at streamlining customs inspections and securing cargo processing.
These massive investments take place within a highly favorable macroeconomic context marked by sustained activity growth at the port over the past three years. Total cargo volumes handled, container traffic dynamism, and financial revenue have all demonstrated remarkable upward trends, reflecting a booming sector and strengthening the port’s regional economic role.
Through the synergy of these combined operations, the key objective is aligning growth trends with material and logistical capabilities that meet global standards. Planned storage expansions, continuous processing optimization, and regular equipment upgrades will boost operational efficiency while enhancing the port’s position within international trade flows.