How many tugs a ship takes at Skikda is set by the port authority’s circular of 31 March 2024, by ship type and length overall. Here are the tables, with the rules around them.
In short
- Tugs are compulsory at Skikda for ships over 1,500 GT; the number depends on the ship type and its length overall (LOA).
- Tankers and gas carriers: from 2 tugs in and 1 out (80 to 115 m) up to 6 in and 5 out (over 250 m).
- At the buoys (SPM): 2 in and 1 out, with a safety standby tug throughout the call.
- The pilot may call an extra tug for safety. Ships over 280 m must take a second pilot.
Tankers and gas carriers
One table applies to crude, product and chemical tankers and to LNG and LPG carriers: only the length counts. Hours are the duration of the manoeuvre.
| Length overall | Tugs in | Tugs out |
|---|---|---|
| 80 to 115 m | 2 (1 hour) | 1 (1 hour) |
| 115 to 135 m | 2 (2 hours) | 2 (1 hour) |
| 135 to 169 m | 3 (3 hours) | 2 (1 hour) |
| 169 to 210 m | 4 (3 hours) | 3 (1 hour) |
| 210 to 250 m | 5 (3 hours) | 4 (2 hours) |
| Over 250 m | 6 (4 hours) | 5 (2 hours) |
| At the buoys (SPM), 80 to 320 m | 2 | 1 |
Other ships
| Ship and length | Tugs in | Tugs out |
|---|---|---|
| General cargo, 80 to 115 m | 1 (1 hour) | 1 (1 hour) |
| General cargo, 115 to 135 m | 2 (2 hours) | 2 (1 hour) |
| General cargo, 135 to 150 m | 3 (2 hours) | 2 (1 hour) |
| General cargo, 150 to 170 m | 3 (2 hours) | 3 (1 hour) |
| General cargo, over 170 m | 4 (3 hours) | 3 (1 hour) |
| Bulk carriers (grain import, solid bulk export), 170 m and over | 3 (2 hours) | 3 (1 hour) |
| Car ferries and cruise ships, 80 to 115 m | 1 (1 hour) | 1 (1 hour) |
| Car ferries and cruise ships, over 116 m | 2 (1 hour) | 1 (1 hour) |
| Ro-ro ships over 150 m | 3 (2 hours) | 2 (1 hour) |
In normal weather, a bow thruster in good working order saves one tug for general cargo ships between 116 m and 150 m.
The rules around the table
- The numbers assume normal weather. The pilot may require an extra tug for safety, and must then write a report justifying it.
- Ships over 140 m scheduled at berth 12 of the old port are handled with 3 tugs in and 3 out.
- Ships over 280 m long must take a second pilot.
- Tankers and gas carriers must sail as soon as the shipper’s, police and customs formalities are finished; the agent cannot ask for a delay.
- In winter, swell can send tankers to the roads, or need tugs to push and hold them alongside to finish loading. These extra movements are for the owner’s account.
- The circular does not apply to merchant ships under 80 m, navy ships, port service craft, navigation aids, or fishing and pleasure boats.
- The ship supplies the towlines, in good condition and suited to the manoeuvre.
And at Arzew?
At Arzew and Bethioua, tugs are compulsory over 1,500 GT and tankers of 50,000 dwt and more use at least three tugs to berth. At Algiers Pier 26, it is 3 tugs in and 3 out.
Questions
How many tugs does a 250 m tanker need at Skikda?
5 tugs in (about 3 hours) and 4 out (about 2 hours), for a tanker or gas carrier of over 210 m up to 250 m.
Is a standby tug compulsory at Skikda?
Yes for tankers at the buoys (SPM): a safety standby tug is compulsory throughout the call.
Which document sets tug numbers at Skikda?
The Skikda port authority’s circular 1040/DG/2024 of 31 March 2024, in force since 1 April 2024.
Last reviewed October 2026. Port rules change: ask us for the latest before your call.