Morocco's Nador West Med port has begun its operational phase with the launch of its first container terminal on October 31. The port, located in the province of Nador, is a major industrial and logistics complex that aims to become one of the country's primary economic and logistical hubs. The project was launched under the instructions of King Mohammed VI, with Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan overseeing the start of operations at the "East" container terminal.
The Nador West Med complex represents a total investment of 54 billion dirhams ($5.4 billion), combining public and private funding. The project includes several specialized terminals, an industrial and logistics platform, and energy and connectivity infrastructure. It is part of Morocco's national strategy to develop port infrastructure, aiming to increase cargo handling capacity and support the emergence of new industrial hubs.
The "East" container terminal, which has started operations, is the first component of the port facility. With 1,520 meters of quay, an 18-meter draft, and 70 hectares of land, it is expected to handle 3.5 million containers by 2030. The investment for this terminal is approximately 5 billion dirhams ($500 million). The terminal's operation and maintenance have been concessioned to a consortium of Marsa Maroc and Terminal Investment Limited (TIL), a subsidiary of the MSC shipping group, for 25 years.
According to Diego Aponte, CEO of MSC/Terminal Investment Limited, the terminal can accommodate container ships with a capacity of 24,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), among the largest cargo ships currently in operation. Aponte described the launch of operations as a significant moment for his group, which plans to make Nador West Med a major platform for its maritime activities.
Najib Chikhi, general manager of the terminal, stated that MSC has chosen this infrastructure to make it its primary transshipment hub in the Mediterranean. He highlighted that the "East" terminal stands out for its entirely electric equipment, making it the first Moroccan port terminal to operate exclusively on electricity. This feature aligns with Morocco's efforts to increase the use of renewable energy in its infrastructure.
The Nador West Med complex also includes a second container terminal, called "West," which is scheduled to start operations in April 2027. This terminal will have a capacity of 1.8 million TEUs, 900 meters of quay, and 38 hectares of land. Representing an investment of around 3 billion dirhams ($300 million), it has been concessioned to a consortium of Marsa Maroc and CMA CGM, the third-largest shipping company globally.
The port's overall capacity is expected to reach 5.3 million containers once both terminals are fully operational. The project is a significant step in Morocco's strategy to enhance its port infrastructure and increase its competitiveness in the global logistics market. With its advanced facilities and strategic location, Nador West Med is poised to become a major player in the region's maritime trade.
Key points
- The Nador West Med port represents a $5.4 billion investment and aims to handle 5.3 million containers once fully operational.
- The port's first container terminal, "East," has started operations with a capacity of 3.5 million containers by 2030.
- The terminal's entirely electric equipment makes it the first Moroccan port terminal to operate exclusively on electricity.
