HIBAPRESS – Mohamed Zariouh
In a strategic move aimed at enhancing Morocco's role as a major logistics center in the Mediterranean region, the Nador West Med port project continues to make remarkable progress. This project is one of the most prominent bets that the Kingdom seeks to achieve. Despite the multiple challenges, the new port stands out as an extension of the successful Tangier Med project, with great ambitions to become one of the largest ports in the region, and represents a strong pillar in reshaping regional and international trade routes.
Aziz Akhannouch, coordinator of studies and works for the project, revealed in recent statements about the approaching date of the actual operation of the port, as the port is scheduled to start its operations by the end of 2026. Yahya confirmed that the infrastructure works for the first phase have been fully completed, and that efforts to manufacture operational equipment are underway under the supervision of Marsa Maroc and specialized international companies, which accelerates the pace of work on the project that requires precise coordination between many parties involved.
The Nador West Med port is considered a natural continuation of the success achieved by the Tangier Med port, as the new port will expand to reach an initial capacity of 5 million containers. With continued expansion, this figure is expected to rise to between 15 and 17 million containers, which will contribute to enhancing Morocco's ability to compete in the field of maritime transport, especially in an area that is among the most active in the world.
In addition to the port, the first phase of the industrial and logistics zone, which extends over 800 hectares, including 270 hectares allocated for green industries and manufacturing, will begin. This project will contribute to the creation of an integrated industrial system that combines industrial and logistics activities in one environment, and reflects Morocco's commitment to enhancing environmental sustainability and developing future industries. The project is expected to contribute to the creation of between 80,000 and 100,000 job opportunities, in addition to attracting public and private investments exceeding 80 billion dirhams.
The geographical location of the Nador West Med port is one of the decisive factors in the success of the project. The port is located 160 nautical miles from the Strait of Gibraltar, which is one of the busiest waterways in the world, with about 120,000 ships passing through it annually. Thanks to its location close to the European, American and African markets, as well as its proximity to five international airports, the port provides huge opportunities in the field of global trade.
The Nador West Med port project is based on an advanced engineering structure, which includes huge breakwaters and a long pier dedicated to containers, in addition to vast land platforms equipped with the latest technologies. The port also includes multi-service docks and a dock dedicated to handling the movement of cars, which enhances its operational efficiency and makes it capable of handling a large and diverse movement of goods.
Morocco's vision for developing ports with global competitive capacity is embodied through this ambitious project, which not only aims to enhance the logistics infrastructure, but also aims to support national industries and open wider horizons for integration into global production chains. Thus, the Nador West Med port is a strategic step towards consolidating Morocco's position as an international logistics center, strengthening the national economy and providing new opportunities for development in several sectors.
