Algeria has successfully recovered the Sedrata, a commercial vessel that had remained stranded in the Belgian port of Antwerp for three years due to unresolved technical difficulties.
After a prolonged period of immobilisation, the ship has now received all necessary certifications of conformity from relevant maritime and safety authorities, enabling it to resume its voyage. The recovery of the vessel represents a significant milestone for Algeria’s maritime sector and signals renewed efforts to address the longstanding issue of inactive national vessels stranded in foreign ports.
The Algerian Maritime Transport Group (GATMA) released a statement confirming the vessel’s release and attributed the success to the collective efforts of multiple stakeholders. The Ministry of Transport played a central role, working closely with GATMA, the ship’s technical support teams, crew members, and company executives.
National strategy
Through coordinated negotiations and technical interventions, the stakeholders managed to resolve the logistical and regulatory challenges that had delayed the vessel’s return. This outcome highlights the value of institutional cooperation and technical expertise in overcoming complex maritime challenges. The retrieval of the Sedrata forms part of a larger national strategy launched by Algerian authorities to rehabilitate and recover several commercial ships that have been immobilised at international ports. The overarching goal of this campaign is to restore the operational capacity of Algeria’s maritime fleet, which is essential for facilitating international trade and reducing dependency on foreign shipping services.
By strengthening its shipping infrastructure, Algeria aims to improve the efficiency of its import-export activities, particularly those involving non-hydrocarbon goods. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader economic vision to diversify export revenue streams and enhance the country’s presence in global trade networks.
Ultimately, the return of the Sedrata is more than just the recovery of a vessel—it reflects a renewed focus on maritime self-sufficiency, logistical resilience, and trade growth. As Algeria continues to repatriate its stranded ships and invest in fleet modernisation, it is laying the groundwork for a more robust and competitive maritime sector, which could serve as a cornerstone of its long-term economic development strategy.