On October 28, 2026, King Mohammed VI of Morocco chaired a working session at the Royal Palace in Rabat to review the progress of two major port projects: the Nador West Mediterranean port and the expansion of the Tangier Med port. These projects aim to enhance Morocco's port infrastructure and competitiveness. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the Minister of Interior, Minister of Economy and Finance, and the head of the Tangier Med Special Agency.
The Nador West Mediterranean port project involves an investment of 54 billion dirhams and will feature a first container terminal with a capacity of 3.5 million containers, set to be operational soon. A second terminal with a capacity of 1.8 million containers is expected to be completed by April 2027. The project also includes an energy component, with a fuel storage area and a liquefied natural gas station.
The Nador West Mediterranean port is expected to create 1,400 direct jobs and 20,000 indirect jobs in the near future. The project also involves the development of an industrial zone, which currently has one operational factory and three under construction. The port's infrastructure will be connected to the national rail network and road network, enhancing transportation links with surrounding areas.
The expansion of the Tangier Med port, known as Tangier Med 3, will add 1,200 meters of quay with a capacity of 4.5 million containers per year. The project has an investment envelope of 8 billion dirhams and will be developed in partnership with "Maersk-APM," a global leader in maritime transport. This expansion will increase the port's total capacity to 20 million containers, placing it among the top 10 ports worldwide.
The development of these port projects aligns with Morocco's strategy to establish an effective port system that boosts the country's competitiveness and promotes national and regional development. The projects are expected to have a positive impact on the local population and contribute to the country's economic growth.
King Mohammed VI emphasized the importance of ensuring that the economic and social benefits of these projects are shared by all regions concerned and that they contribute to the well-being of local populations. He also called for the acceleration of training programs to facilitate the integration of young people into the job market.
The working session was attended by senior officials, including Advisor to the King Fouad Ali Himma, Minister of Interior Abdelouafi Laftit, Minister of Economy and Finance Fouzi Lakja, and Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour. The meeting reflects the government's commitment to implementing major infrastructure projects to drive economic growth and development in Morocco.
Key points
- Moroccan King Mohammed VI chairs meeting on progress of major port projects
- Nador West Mediterranean port and Tangier Med expansion project to enhance Morocco's port infrastructure and competitiveness
- Projects expected to create thousands of jobs and contribute to Morocco's economic growth
