Algeria – Cargo Claims, Escalating Arrests and Cash Demands

When fixing vessels for bulk cargoes to the Mediterranean, Owners need to be aware of the problems they are very likely to experience in Algerian ports, including Algiers, Oran, Skikda, Arzew and Bejaia. Particularly, cargoes of cereal, sugar and other bagged food products were at the top of the list during 2002 – 2003 of claims for shortage and damage.

The move away from a government monopoly of imported commodities, most particularly food stuffs, has permitted speculation by importers in the cargo market. Sugar from Northern Europe, corn and animal feed from the Mediterranean and Black Sea are attracting unwarranted attention. Particularly at the end of the season speculation increases and buyers may even be looking for consignments at prices where quality, colour, moisture content or storage-life may be impaired, even before shipment.

In such instances the Carrier is at risk of vessel arrest, incurring demurrage and cargo claims that take exceptional time and expense to resolve.