Algeria’s Ministry of Transport has signed a seven-year agreement with three firms for the construction of a $3.5-billion deep-sea port in Algeria. Signed on Jan. 17, the deal, which includes China State Construction Engineering Corp. (CSCEC), China Harbour Engineering Co. (CHEC) and Algeria Harbour Group, is for the development of Algeria’s Central New Port. Set to be operational within another four years, the facility will be Algeria’s biggest port and main gateway along the coast of the Mediterranean.
The port will have 23 quay berths, with an overall 6,320-meter length for each quay, according to CSCEC. The port will be built over 1,032 hectares, with an additional 2,000 hectares of floor space for logistics. The Chinese firm said the port will have an annual throughput of 6.3-million 20-ft-equivalent units and 25.7 million tons of bulk cargo. Both the Algerian government and the three companies will establish a joint-venture company to carry out port design, procure port construction equipment and materials, and execute construction.