Discover the Cheikh-El-Mokrani: Ratings & Maritime News

In a daring act of bravery, a member of the crew aboard the tanker "Cheikh El Mokrani" leaped into the water to save a whale entangled in a fishing net. The dramatic incident unfolded when the crew spotted the distressed marine mammal struggling in the waves off the coast. Without hesitation, one courageous crew member dove into the ocean, swimming towards the majestic creature. He quickly worked to dislodge the net from the whale's snout, showing remarkable resolve in the face of danger. Soon, another crew member joined the rescue effort, and together they successfully freed the whale from its predicament. For a visual account of this incredible rescue, please visit the report with photos at http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/heroic-sailor-risks-life-diving-10269729.

In an ambitious move to enhance its natural gas exports, Algeria is gearing up to significantly increase shipments to Asia, where gas prices are notably higher than in its traditional European markets. Abdelhamid Zerguine, the CEO of Sonatrach, the state-owned oil company, revealed this strategy during a conference held today in Algiers. He emphasized the intense price competition within Europe, stating, "We will focus our efforts on selling more in Asia where prices are 50 percent higher." To support this strategy, Algeria is expanding its liquefaction facilities, which will augment its capacity to load natural gas onto tankers for overseas transport. As Africa's leading gas producer, Algeria currently facilitates exports to Europe through three major pipelines that traverse the Mediterranean. However, Algeria experienced an 11% decline in gas shipments last year, totaling 45 billion cubic meters, as reported by Societe Generale SA. This downturn is in contrast to the peak of 65 billion cubic meters reached in 2005, attributed mainly to a 40% rise in local consumption alongside a 12% decrease in production. With these developments, Algeria aims to reposition itself in the global gas market, tapping into the lucrative Asian market and adapting to changing demand dynamics.