portconstruction washingtonstatedeptoftransportation flickrAlgeria as a trade hub is rising in importance in East Africa, making it viable to build a port. (Image source: Washington State Dept of Transportation/Flickr)

The agreement was signed between Algeria’s transport ministry, China Harbour and Engineering Company (CHEC) and China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) in Algeria.

The companies will construct the port with 23 docks, capable of processing 6.5mn 20-foot containers and 26mn tonnes of goods per year.

Construction is likely to take seven years and will be put into service within four years, with China’s Shanghai Ports Group ensuring management of the port.

With port traffic set to hit 35mn tonnes by 2050, the construction of a new port with larger capacity comes at an apt time. In addition, Algerian transport authorities are getting assistance from Chinese port and ship authorities, to ensure construction is carried out as per quality standards and the port itself would enhance trade for Algeria, once operational.

Source : africanreview.com