News / CMA CGM avoids box ship call at still-congested Algiers

Port of Algiers, the main cargo gateway for Algeria and a key hub for Mediterranean carrier routes connecting Europe and North Africa, is swamped by congestion, causing serious supply chain disruption, according to industry updates.

Major carriers regularly covering Algerian trades have begun omitting Algiers, as average vessel waits are reportedly in the range of four to five days.

CMA CGM told customers all cargo planned for discharge at the port would be offloaded at the Algerian alternative of Djen-Djen.

The French carrier added that the diversion would be subject to force majeure provisions, citing Article 10 of its bill of lading.

It said: “Due to difficulties encountered at the port of Algiers, CMA CGM has been instructed by the Algerian port authorities  to divert the vessel Raphaela, voyage BRSVAS1MA, to an alternative port. Cargo collection will proceed in line with standard procedures, following the completion of customary customs and documentary formalities.”

And the carrier added that customers would need to return empty containers to Djen-Djen.

The Raphaela is part of CMA CGM’s Mediterranean loop SSLMED Turkey Med Express 2 (TMX2) that connects Turkey (Aliaga, Gemlik, Izmit and Istanbul) with Italy (Salerno, La Spezia and Naples) and Malta, data shows.

Force majeure provisions come into play when circumstances, arguably beyond control, prevent a party from honouring contractual obligations, but shippers have often raised concerns over its growing ‘weaponisation’.

According to available information, CMA CGM’s Algerian network includes nine services and some 15 weekly calls. Severe weather earlier this year caused port closures across Europe, and Algeria where ports remained shut for a week or so to early February, updates reveal.

Sources believe several of the affected ports have yet to fully recover from the heavy backlogs caused, one source telling The Loadstar: “The simmering effect continues to plague Algiers.”

CMA CGM and MSC are the two major mainliners operating out of Algeria. The port of Algiers handled some 950,000 teu in 2025, reporting strong export gains.

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