Read Authentic Ratings for the Saoura

The 'Saoura' has officially returned to operational status, embarking on its first commercial journey since maintenance work was completed on May 24, 2025. The vessel underwent extensive repairs at the Tuzla shipyards following a series of technical breakdowns. These repairs adhered to international standards and were carried out under the meticulous oversight of recognized classification agencies. The 'Saoura' set off from the port of Antalya, marking the beginning of its renewed service to Algeria. This initiative is part of the Algerian Ministry of Transport's broader efforts aimed at revitalizing the national maritime fleet and enhancing the operational readiness of local vessels. The recommissioning of the 'Saoura' is a significant milestone in reinforcing Algeria's capabilities and presence in the competitive arena of commercial maritime transport.

The MV Saoura, a commercial vessel, has been held at Gdansk Port due to administrative discrepancies regarding its certification. This detention occurred following a 1.5-day delay for a hull underwater survey, part of an annual certification process, which took place after the ship's commercial activities ended on January 24, 2020. Once the underwater works were completed, Gdansk port authorities implemented a hold on the vessel due to concerns that the statutory certificates, initially issued on September 19, 2019, by the Algerian maritime administration in Oran, did not meet compliance standards. In response to the situation, the shipping company took proactive measures, collaborating with merchant marine management, the classification society, and Algerian consular officials in Warsaw to rectify the certification issues. After obtaining the required validations, Polish authorities granted permission for the MV Saoura to depart Gdansk on the evening of January 27, carrying a cargo of 76 containers of milk powder, totaling approximately 1,900 tonnes. The vessel is en route to Antwerp, where it will pick up an additional 40 containers filled with milk powder and various goods destined for Algeria, serving the National Interprofessional Milk Office (ONIL) with shipments intended for the ports of Algiers and Annaba.

On November 27, 2018, a critical medical emergency prompted a swift rescue operation 450 kilometers south of Gran Canaria for a crew member of the 'Saoura.' The action was coordinated by a Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter stationed at Gando Airport. Both a Super Puma helicopter from SAR Canarias and a Sasemar 103 Maritime Rescue aircraft were mobilized to ensure rapid medical assistance. After being successfully hoisted aboard the military helicopter, the patient was promptly transported to the heliport of Hospital de Gran Canaria Doctor Negrín for immediate care.