Morocco is expanding its port infrastructure through two major projects, Nador West Med and Tanger Med 3, as it seeks to increase its role in international maritime trade. King Mohammed VI chaired a working session in Rabat to review the progress of both projects, their next stages and their expected economic and social impact.
The projects form part of Morocco’s plan to develop its port network and improve its ability to handle growing international trade and changes in global supply chains.
Morocco is investing MAD 54 billion in the Nador West Med port and industrial complex. The project combines port, logistics, industrial and energy facilities and will complement the services provided by Tanger Med.
Nador West Med’s first container terminal is expected to begin operations soon, with a planned capacity of 3.5 million TEUs. A second terminal, with a capacity of 1.8 million TEUs, is expected to open in April 2027. Private investors are putting MAD 8 billion into the two container terminals.
The complex will also include a hydrocarbon terminal with storage capacity that could reach 4 million cubic metres. Its LNG terminal will be able to handle up to 5 billion cubic metres annually, supporting Morocco’s energy supply.
Nador West Med will also handle dry bulk and general cargo through dedicated terminals.
The industrial zone is already operating, with one factory currently in production and three more under construction. The project is expected to create around 14,000 direct jobs and 20,000 indirect jobs.
Morocco also plans to improve connections to the port through a railway link between Selouane and Nador West Med, the Guercif–Nador West Med motorway and upgrades to nearby roads.
Morocco is also expanding the Tanger Med complex with the construction of Tanger Med 3, which will sit west of Tanger Med 2.
The new port will have 1,200 metres of quay and add 4.5 million TEUs of annual container capacity. The project will cost MAD 8 billion, with construction expected to start soon.
Morocco has signed a concession agreement with Maersk–APM to develop the new container terminal.
The expansion also includes work on the passenger and ro-ro terminal and the eastern extension of Tanger Med 2.
Once these projects are completed, the Tanger Med complex could handle up to 20 million containers a year, supporting Morocco’s aim of becoming one of the world’s leading container ports.
King Mohammed VI also stressed the need for the projects to benefit people living in the surrounding provinces. He called for faster training programmes linked to port, logistics, industrial and energy activities.
The training will help young people gain the skills needed for the new jobs created by these developments.
Through Nador West Med and Tanger Med 3, Morocco is increasing its container capacity, expanding its port network and improving connections between ports, industry, logistics and energy. The projects are also expected to create jobs and support economic activity in the regions where they are located.
source: maritimafrica.com
