On October 31, 2026, Crown Prince Moulay Hassan, in accordance with high royal instructions from King Mohammed VI, inaugurated the start of operations at the first container terminal at the Nador West Mediterranean port. This marks a significant milestone in the development of Morocco's infrastructure. The project, part of the Nador West Mediterranean industrial and port complex, required an investment of 54 billion dirhams. The complex aims to create a new industrial, logistics, and economic hub.
The new container terminal, named "Oriental," will have a capacity of 3.5 million containers by 2030. It features a 1,520-meter-long quay and a water depth of 18 meters. The terminal was awarded to a consortium comprising Marsa Maroc, a major African port operator, and Terminal Investment Limited, a subsidiary of MSC, the world's largest container shipping company. The concession agreement spans 25 years.
The Nador West Mediterranean port complex will also include a second container terminal, the Western terminal, with a capacity of 1.8 million containers. This terminal, expected to start operations in April 2027, will increase the port's total capacity to 5.3 million containers. The complex will also feature a multi-purpose terminal, a solid bulk terminal, and a roll-on/roll-off terminal.
The project is expected to create 14,000 direct jobs and 20,000 indirect jobs, particularly for young people. The industrial and logistics platform, spanning 700 hectares, has been allocated 12 billion dirhams in investments. The complex will be connected to its surroundings through infrastructure projects, including a 49-kilometer railway and a 105-kilometer highway.
The Nador West Mediterranean port complex is a strategic project aimed at boosting Morocco's economy and creating new opportunities for growth. The complex will enable Morocco to increase its share of the international maritime trade market and provide a competitive and diverse port offer. The project aligns with King Mohammed VI's vision to develop Morocco's infrastructure and promote economic development.
The launch of operations at the container terminal was marked by Crown Prince Moulay Hassan's visit to the Nador West Mediterranean port complex. He was accompanied by several high-ranking officials, including ministers and local authorities. The prince also reviewed a guard of honor and was briefed on the project's progress.
The Nador West Mediterranean port complex is part of Morocco's strategy to develop its ports and logistics sector. The project complements other initiatives, such as the Tangier Mediterranean port, and aims to position Morocco as a major logistics hub in the region. The complex is expected to play a key role in Morocco's economic development and growth.
Key points
- The Nador West Mediterranean port complex required an investment of 54 billion dirhams and will create 14,000 direct jobs and 20,000 indirect jobs.
- The complex will have a total capacity of 5.3 million containers once both terminals are operational.
- The project aligns with King Mohammed VI's vision to develop Morocco's infrastructure and promote economic development.
