The project is part of Morocco’s National Transport Sector and Logistics Development Strategy developed 

Following in the footsteps of the Tangier Med Port the largest port in both the Mediterranean and Africa Morocco is set to bring its second  deepwater port, Nador West Med, into operation in the fourth quarter, a major step aimed at replicating the global success of Tanger Med, It strategically lies near the main East-West shipping routes for container transport as well as oil and gas products across the Mediterranean region. The project is part of Morocco’s National Transport Sector and Logistics Development Strategy developed by the Ministry of Equipment, Transport, Logistics and Water

Aims of the  project 

The project aims to achieve three primary objectives: contribute to the reduction of regional disparities through strengthening the economic and social development of Oriental Region, strengthen Morocco’s port services in the Western Mediterranean region to attract part of global shipping activities, and ensure Morocco’s energy supply by creating a second hub, specifically by expanding the reception and storage capacity in the project area.

Initiative of the project 

The project is initiated by ‘Nador West Med’, which is public limited liability company that has been created for the construction, development, planning, promotion and management of this industrial port and free trade zone.The master plan was designed and will be implemented by a Consortium of STFA (Türkiye) – SGTM (Morocco) and Jan De Nul group (Belgium). The project is operated by Moroccan container terminal operator Marsa Maroc, after signing an agreement with ‘Nador West Med’ company.

Coast of the project 

The project cost is over $ 5.6   billion, funded mainly by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) the African Development Bank and Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development. The full operation of the port and logistics platform is scheduled for 2027 with the capacity to handle five million containers annually, with plans already in place to scale up to twelve million containers as demand grows, according to officials

Begin phased container operations in 2026

Morocco’s Nador West Med new deepwater port to begin phased container operations in 2026 Morocco’s Nador West Med integrated port and industrial complex is moving into its operational phase with 51 billion Moroccan dirhams (about $5.6 billion) in public and private investment, according to the Royal Palace statement Meanwhile The facility’s core maritime infrastructure — including 5.4 km of breakwaters, 4 km of quays and four energy hubs — is complete, and two container terminal concession agreements will see phased commissioning begin this year. 

 Partnerships with global shipping lines

It is noteworthy that Morocco’s Marsa Maroc and CMA Terminals (a subsidiary of CMA CGM) finalized a joint partnership for the concession of the West Terminal at the Port of Nador West Med. MSC Group - through its subsidiary Terminal Investment Limited (TIL) - has also signed an agreement with Marsa Maroc for the concession of the second container terminal at Nador West. On the other hand Initial port design capacity is set at 5 million twenty-foot equivalent units and 35 million tonnes of liquid and dry bulk cargo, with a long-term plan to expand to 12 million TEU and an extra 15 million tonnes of liquid cargo capacity. Adjacent to the port, 700 hectares of activity zones are under development, and initial facilities of international operators have already been established.

About Nador West Med SA 

Nador West Med SA is the project company responsible for the development and implementation of the Nador West Med integrated port and industrial complex in northeastern Morocco. Its mandate covers port infrastructure delivery, logistics and industrial zone development, and coordination with public authorities and private concessionaires. The Royal Moroccan Government operates within the constitutional framework of the Kingdom of Morocco, overseeing national economic policy, infrastructure planning and major development programmes. 

Related : Marsa Maroc Acquires 45% Stake in Spanish Port Operator for €80 Million

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