On [unspecified date], King Mohammed VI chaired a work session at the Royal Palace in Rabat to review progress on two major port projects: Nador West Med and Tangier Med 3. The session aimed to assess the development of these projects, which are crucial to Morocco's economic and industrial growth. The King was briefed on the progress of the projects, which are expected to boost the country's competitiveness and create new job opportunities.
The Nador West Med project, which combines port, industrial, logistics, and energy infrastructure, has attracted 54 billion dirhams in public and private investments. The project's first container terminal is set to begin operations soon, with a capacity of 3.5 million containers. A second terminal is scheduled to be operational by April 2027, with a capacity of 1.8 million containers. The project is expected to create 14,000 direct jobs and 20,000 indirect jobs.
The energy component of the Nador West Med project includes a fuel storage facility with a potential capacity of 4 million cubic meters and a liquefied natural gas terminal that can process up to 5 billion cubic meters per year. These investments align with the King's directives to enhance Morocco's energy security. The project also includes a solid bulk cargo terminal and a diverse cargo terminal.
The industrial area of the Nador West Med project is already operational, with one factory currently in operation and three others under construction. This development is expected to create new opportunities for economic activities and professional integration. To support the project's growth, infrastructure connections, including a railway link and a highway, are being developed to improve connectivity with surrounding areas.
The Tangier Med 3 project aims to expand the existing Tangier Med port, with a new port to be built west of Tangier Med 2. The project includes 1,200 meters of quay with an additional capacity of 4.5 million containers per year, representing an investment of approximately 8 billion dirhams. An concession agreement has been signed with Maersk-APM, a global leader in maritime transport, to develop the new container terminal.
The development of Tangier Med 3 is part of a broader plan to increase the port's capacity to 20 million containers, placing it among the top 10 ports globally. The project also includes the expansion of the passenger terminal and the international road haulage terminal, as well as the eastern expansion of Tangier Med 2.
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 benefit local populations. He called for the acceleration of training programs tailored to the needs of emerging activities to facilitate the professional integration of young people. The work session was attended by several high-ranking officials, including the King's Advisor, Fouad Ali El Himma, and several ministers.
Key points
- The Nador West Med project has attracted 54 billion dirhams in investments and is expected to create 14,000 direct jobs and 20,000 indirect jobs.
- The Tangier Med 3 project will increase the port's capacity to 20 million containers, placing it among the top 10 ports globally.
- The projects aim to enhance Morocco's competitiveness, create new job opportunities, and promote economic growth.
