Tariq-Ibn-Ziyad

Despite recurring breakdowns and high maintenance costs, Algérie Ferries does not seem ready to abandon the 'Tariq Ibn Ziyad'. The ferry, which had been immobilized for several months, is currently undergoing a major renovation in a shipyardin Eleusis to reduce its sulfur emissions to less than 0.5% by the end of 2025. After more than 25 years of service, the ship has accumulated technical problems. Several breakdowns and incidents have led to its prolonged immobilization, to the point that its future has been called into question. Repeated repairs and the cost of maintenance have raised doubts about the interest of keeping this ferry in the fleet. Despite these difficulties, Algérie Ferries has decided to invest in the refurbishment of the 'Tariq Ibn Ziyad' to extend its lifespan and to bring it up to international environmental standards. The project is part of the broader strategy of the Algerian Maritime Transport Group (Gatma) to make the fleet more environmentally friendly and competitive with European companies. In addition, the work also includes improvements to passenger comfort, including the modernization of cabins and the installation of an on-board Internet access system. Despite its age, the 'Tariq Ibn Ziyad' still meets market requirements, particularly for connections between Algiers, Oran and Marseille.

On the afternoon of July 15, 2024, the 2nd Port Department of the Central Port Authority of Elevsis was informed about a small fire inside the 'Tariq Ibn Ziyad', which was under maintenance in a floating dock of the shipyards of Elevsis. The fire department of the shipyards extinguished the fire with the assistance of the Elvesis Fire Service. No injuries were reported from the incident, and no marine pollution was observed. A preliminary investigation was carried out by the 2nd Port Department of the Central Port Authority of Elevsis.

742 passengers, who arrived on March 19, 2020, at the port of Algiers on board the 'Tariq Ibn Ziad', coming from Marseille, were immediately placed in administrative segregation at the Mazafran hotel, and should stay there for 14 days. The passengers were transferred to the hotel on the west coast of Algiers on an ETUSA bus. As for the vehicles on board the ship, they will be disinfected and can be recovered by their owners after the end of the period of their isolation.