The shipping companyAlgérie Ferriesand the entire national maritime fleet are preparing to face a significant challenge. In May 2025, a regulation imposed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), under the Marpol convention, will come into effect. This measure will require ships operating in the Mediterranean to drastically reduce their sulfur oxide emissions, a harmful pollutant for the marine environment.

The Mediterranean will officially be classified as an emission control area starting on that date. The fuels used by ships will then need to contain a maximum of 0.10% sulfur, down from the current limit of 0.50%. This initiative aims to limit the environmental impact of maritime transport by reducing air pollution and its effects on public health.

For Algérie Ferries, which primarily operates betweenAlgeriaand various Mediterranean ports, this transition will require significant investments and strategic adjustments.

A Technical and Organizational Transformation

A Technical and Organizational Transformation

Complying with this new regulation entails numerous changes forAlgérie Ferries. The company will need to consider using less polluting fuels or installing exhaust gas cleaning systems, known as scrubbers. These devices allow ships to meet the standards while continuing to use traditional fuels, but they represent a significant cost.

In this context, the Minister of Transport, Saïd Sayoud, recently convened key stakeholders in the Algerian maritime sector, including Algérie Ferries, Gatma, Serport, as well as fuel suppliers Sonatrach and Naftal. During this meeting, he emphasized the importance of close cooperation to develop a precise action plan, which includes preparing infrastructure and acquiring necessary equipment.

An Impact on Operations and Passengers

An Impact on Operations and Passengers

This transition will have significant repercussions on the company’s operating costs. Fuels that comply with the new standards are more expensive, and these additional expenses could be passed on to ticket prices. This may pose a challenge for passengers, particularly the Algerian diaspora, which constitutes a significant portion of the clientele.

However, these modernization efforts will enhance the competitiveness of Algérie Ferries. A fleet that meets international standards will help avoid potential sanctions and ensure unrestricted access to foreign ports.

An Environmental Commitment

The new standards reflect a global awareness of the impacts of sulfur emissions. These pollutants, responsible for respiratory issues and acid rain, threaten marine biodiversity and coastal populations. By adopting more sustainable practices, Algérie Ferries will contribute to the protection of the Mediterranean environment while modernizing its sector.

A Critical Deadline

With the deadline of May 2025 approaching, Algérie Ferries must act swiftly to avoid disruptions in its services. The success of this transition will depend on the effective mobilization of financial and technical resources, as well as smooth coordination among the various stakeholders in the maritime sector.

This challenge also presents a strategic opportunity: it is a chance for Algérie Ferries to establish itself as a modern maritime player while affirming its commitment to more environmentally friendly transport.