Morocco: new port project gears up for operations

King Mohammed VI has ordered authorities to ensure a smooth start for the Nador West Med port and industrial complex as Morocco prepares to bring the infrastructure project into operation, as reported by APA News on January 28th, citing a statement from the Royal Cabinet.

The king headed a meeting at the royal palace in Casablanca which focused on the progress of the Nador West Med project and the steps needed ahead of its launch, which is set to take place in the final quarter of 2026. 

According to the Royal Cabinet, the Nador West Med project is part of the king’s long-term vision to better equip Morocco for global trade by developing modern port infrastructure that can compete at an international level.

During the meeting, Fouad Brini, Chairman of the Board of Nador West Med, briefed the king on how far work on the project has progressed. He outlined the main milestones as of yet and the remaining steps before the port becomes fully operational.

The Nador West Med project is designed to complement Tanger Med, which has become Africa’s leading port and a major hub in the Mediterranean. Together, the two ports intend to strengthen Morocco’s position in global shipping, support economic growth, and create jobs across different regions of the country.

Construction of the main port infrastructure has already been completed. This includes 5.4 kilometres of protective breakwaters, nearly four kilometres of quays, and four energy berths.

Public and private investment in the project has reached 51 billion dirhams. In addition, private investors have committed around 20 billion dirhams for the development of new activity zones covering 700 hectares near the port. Several international companies have already agreed to operate there. 

Once fully operational, the port is expected to handle millions of containers and large volumes of bulk goods each year, with room to expand in the future.

At the end of the meeting, King Mohammed VI called on all parties involved to speed up preparations, support investors, and roll out training programmes to help young people find jobs linked to the project and ensure lasting benefits for the region.

APA News, Maghrebi.org