On October 31, 2026, Prince Moulay El Hassan, Crown Prince of Morocco, launched operations at the first container terminal of the Nador West Med port, a major milestone in the development of this industrial and port complex. The event took place in the commune of Iaâzzanène, province of Nador, and was carried out under the high instructions of King Mohammed VI. The complex is expected to play a significant role in Morocco's economic development and emergence as a major industrial and logistical hub.
The Nador West Med complex has required investments of 54 billion dirhams, a mix of public and private funding. The first container terminal, also known as the "East" terminal, has a capacity of 3.5 million containers by 2030 and features 1,520 meters of quay, an 18-meter draft, and 70 hectares of land. The terminal was concessioned to a consortium formed by Marsa Maroc and Terminal Investment Limited, a subsidiary of the MSC group, which will operate and maintain it for 25 years.
The Nador West Med complex will comprise several terminals, including a second container terminal, known as the "West" terminal, with a capacity of 1.8 million EVP. This terminal, concessioned to a consortium of Marsa Maroc and CMA CGM, will require investments of around 3 billion dirhams and is expected to be operational in April 2027. The complex will also feature a terminal for various goods, a bulk terminal, a roll-on/roll-off terminal, and a liquefied natural gas terminal.
The development of the Nador West Med complex is expected to create significant economic and social benefits for the region. The complex is anticipated to generate 14,000 direct jobs and 20,000 indirect jobs, mainly for young people. A 700-hectare industrial and logistics platform will be developed, with private investments of 12 billion dirhams. The complex will also be connected to its environment through infrastructure projects, including a 49-kilometer railway and a 105-kilometer highway.
The Nador West Med complex is part of Morocco's strategic vision to develop its port infrastructure and become a major player in international trade. The complex will enable Morocco to better capitalize on its comparative advantages and conquer new market shares in international maritime trade. The development of the complex is also expected to strengthen Morocco's position as a logistical platform of reference.
The launch of operations at the Nador West Med port is a significant milestone in Morocco's economic development. The complex will help to consolidate the dynamic initiated by the Tanger Med port and strengthen Morocco's anchorage in Africa. The development of the complex is also part of a broader strategy to develop Morocco's port infrastructure, including the project for the Dakhla Atlantique port.
The Prince Moulay El Hassan was welcomed at the Nador West Med complex by several high-ranking officials, including ministers, governors, and business leaders. The Prince also gave the start of the first unloading operation of a container from a commercial ship at the "East" terminal, marking a new era in the development of the complex.
Key points
- The Nador West Med complex required investments of 54 billion dirhams and is expected to create 14,000 direct jobs and 20,000 indirect jobs.
- The complex will feature several terminals, including two container terminals with a combined capacity of 5.3 million containers.
- The development of the complex is part of Morocco's strategic vision to become a major player in international trade and a logistical platform of reference.
