The first domestic maritime line connecting the port of Algiers with the city of Be’jaia in Cabilia has become operational, and will be served by two ferries bought from Italy for approximately 3 million euro each. These will operate 6 days a week, with the exception of the winter period, with a transport capacity of approximately 200 passengers. The Ministry of Transport’s near future goal is to increase these types of links between other coastal cities such as Orano, Mostaganem, Skikda and Annaba. The Director of the government-held firm Entreprise Maritime de Transport de Voyageurs (ENTMV) has signalled its interest in continuing to equip those new links with Italian ships, whose high technological and construction standards are appreciated.