Alilauro ferries connect Algeria

Algiers - With their first month of operations in Algeria coming to a close, Alilauro ferries has recorded over 60,000 passengers: a feat that has prompted the Naples based company to find a second unit to join Ischiamar III, the ferry that, adapting from the model of the “seatrain”, for the Gulf of Naples, connects the ports of this North African country. The service, (13 miles and four trips per day) which stops at several ports along the coast of Algeria, has been operating with Ischiamar III, which dates from 2005 and is able to transport 350 passengers at a speed of 22 knots. This swift craft is stationed in Skikda. Salvatore Lauro, at the helm of Alilauro, explains: ‘We’ve exported the concept of a seatrain, sealing a contract with the Algerian authorities and their national carrier Algerie Ferries, which grants, for a three-month term (with an option for another three but, judging from the initial success, that will, most likely, run the whole year), Ischiamar III provides a number of short distance connections along the Algerian coast’. While keeping the Italian flag and crew, Ischiamar III, is to operate under Algerie Ferries.

‘Besides’, adds Mr. Lauro, ‘our company provides know-how for ticketing, online and mobile phone reservation, and marketing of the routes. This is a formula we are ready to take to other ports, too. The agreement provides that, once past this trial period, we will bring to Algeria four other units similar to Ischiamar III. Also departing from Algiers, they will service four other ports, thus offering, year-round, alternatives to land transportation’. In the meantime, Alilauro is working to secure similar agreements in two more countries that should be finalised by October. ‘For my company,”-Mr. Lauro concludes, “this agreement with Algeria points to another ambitious goal; that of being able to manage from Algeria, one of the richest countries in gas production, LNG transport to Sicily. To this effect, as president and main shareholder of Compagnia delle Isole, we have already obtained the Ahts Bilton, an ad-hoc vessel capable of transporting gas. We’re working on it and have already made some contacts.”