On October 31, Crown Prince Moulay Hassan, in accordance with instructions from King Mohammed VI, inaugurated the first container terminal at the Nador West Mediterranean port in Morocco. The project is part of a larger industrial and port complex that aims to boost the country's economic growth and development. The terminal, known as the Eastern terminal, is expected to have a capacity of 3.5 million containers by 2030.

The Nador West Mediterranean port project is a major investment in Morocco's infrastructure, with a total cost of 54 billion dirhams. The project is expected to create 14,000 direct jobs and 20,000 indirect jobs, particularly for young people. The port will also feature a second container terminal, a multi-purpose cargo terminal, and a solid bulk cargo terminal. The project is being developed in partnership with private companies, including "Marsa Maroc" and "Terminal Investment Limited", a subsidiary of the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).

The Eastern terminal, which has been awarded to a consortium comprising "Marsa Maroc" and "Terminal Investment Limited", will have a 1,520-meter-long quay and a water depth of 18 meters. The terminal will be operated and maintained by the consortium for 25 years. The second container terminal, known as the Western terminal, will have a capacity of 1.8 million containers and is expected to be operational by April 2027.

The Nador West Mediterranean port is part of a larger strategy to develop Morocco's port infrastructure and increase its competitiveness in the global market. The port will be connected to the country's transportation network through a 49-kilometer railway line and a 105-kilometer highway. The project is expected to have a significant impact on the region's economy and will help to establish Morocco as a major player in the global logistics industry.

The industrial and port complex will also feature a 700-hectare industrial and logistics platform, which will be developed at a cost of 12 billion dirhams. The platform will provide a range of services, including logistics, warehousing, and manufacturing. The project is expected to attract significant investment and create new opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs.

The launch of the Nador West Mediterranean port project is part of a broader strategy to develop Morocco's infrastructure and increase its economic competitiveness. The project is expected to have a significant impact on the country's economy and will help to establish Morocco as a major player in the global logistics industry. The project is also expected to contribute to the country's goal of increasing its trade volume and improving its ranking in the global competitiveness index.

At the launch ceremony, Crown Prince Moulay Hassan was greeted by several high-ranking officials, including the Minister of Economy and Finance, the Minister of Equipment and Water and Forests, and the Governor of the Oriental region. The Prince also inspected a guard of honor and was briefed on the project's progress and its expected impact on the region's economy. The project is seen as a key component of Morocco's economic development strategy and is expected to have a lasting impact on the country's economy and trade.

Key points

  • The Nador West Mediterranean port project is a major investment in Morocco's infrastructure, with a total cost of 54 billion dirhams.
  • The project is expected to create 14,000 direct jobs and 20,000 indirect jobs, particularly for young people.
  • The port will feature two container terminals, a multi-purpose cargo terminal, and a solid bulk cargo terminal, and will be connected to the country's transportation network through a railway line and a highway.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.