On Saturday, January 7, 2023, the Company for the Management and Operation of Marine Hydrocarbon Terminals (STH) received the first Algerian-made steel marine tug. The rate of integration of this machine by produit the Public Shipbuilding and Repair Enterprise (ECOREP) is estimated at 65%.

STH is a subsidiary of the Sonatrach Group. In the presence of the ministers of Industry, Energy and Mines and Transport, respectively Ahmed Zeghdar, Mohamed Arkab and Kamel Beldjoud, it welcomed the first Algerian marine tug. This is in order to support the docking of hydrocarbon transport vessels, with an integration rate of 65%. This rate is expected to increase to 80% for other projects of this kind.

According to Zeghdar, this operation follows the agreement between Ecorep and STH to remove obstacles to the implementation of the terms of the agreement to build three steel marine tugs to support the national maritime industry. The objective is to reach an integration rate of 80%, after the El Hadjar complex starts producing marine steel panels.