Skikda Port Mandates Digital 'Good for Delivery' System via APCS
Image: Algerie Eco
Takeaway
The mandatory digitalization of the 'Bon à Délivrer' at Skikda port signals a move towards greater efficiency and transparency in Algerian trade. Logistics companies and maritime service providers should integrate with the APCS platform to capitalize on streamlined processes. Investors should monitor the impact on port turnaround times and overall trade costs as indicators of Algeria's improving business climate.
The Port Authority of Skikda has announced the mandatory implementation of the digital "Bon à Délivrer (BAD)" (Good for Delivery) document via the Algerian Port Community System (APCS) platform, effective May 15, 2026. This initiative aims to streamline port procedures and enhance the digitalization of the transportation and logistics sectors. The move is expected to expedite port operations and improve the tracking and delivery of goods with greater efficiency and transparency.
Algeria has been actively pursuing the digitization of its port processes as part of a broader effort to improve the country's competitiveness and reduce logistics costs. In a Council of Ministers meeting on June 2, 2024, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune emphasized the need for a new port management strategy. The government has been working to reduce ship waiting times, which contribute to significant additional costs for commercial operations; consultant Ali-Bey Nasri estimated these demurrage costs at nearly $1 billion annually. The APCS platform, developed by Serport, was launched in September 2022 to accelerate ship processing and reduce costs.
The Algerian Port Community System (APCS) is an integrated platform for port logistics services designed to facilitate the digital exchange of data and documents between various stakeholders, including control authorities, customs services, ports, maritime agents, coast guard, border police, subcontractors, and banks. The platform's scope has been expanded to cover the entire process from declaration to container return, aiming to ease the transit of goods. In 2023, Algerian ports handled approximately 126 million tonnes of goods and 1.6 million containers, highlighting the need for efficient port infrastructure.
The mandatory adoption of the digital "Bon à Délivrer" at Skikda port is expected to benefit transport auxiliaries and consignees by simplifying import procedures. This digitalization drive aligns with international best practices and the adoption of advanced digital solutions to improve logistics efficiency. Oman and Algeria recently agreed to strengthen cooperation in the digital transformation of the transport and ports sector, including the adoption of Port Community Systems.
Looking ahead, Algeria aims to further integrate digital technologies and streamline port operations to meet international standards, where vessel unloading is measured in hours rather than days. The government is reviewing regulatory texts related to the management of its ten commercial ports, including the establishment of a Port and Maritime Authority. The ongoing digitization efforts are crucial for reducing maritime transport costs, which currently exceed $3 billion annually, and for enhancing Algeria's competitiveness in the global maritime arena.