Big plans for Moroccan port sector as MSC invests in new terminal

Following the example of its French counterpart CMA CGM, Swiss shipping and logistics giant MSC has decided to invest in the development of a container terminal at Nador West Med port in Morocco.

Morocco’s port terminal management firm Marsa Maroc and terminal operator Terminal Investment Limited (TIL), a subsidiary of MSC—the world’s largest container shipping company—have concluded a partnership agreement for TIL’s entry into the share capital of the subsidiary holding the concession of the container terminal.

Following the finalization of this agreement, which is subject to the approval of the competent authorities, the shareholding structure of the subsidiary in charge of the terminal’s concession will consist of TIL, holding 50% minus one share, and Marsa Maroc, owning 50% plus one share of the capital and voting rights.

As a reminder, Marsa Maroc signed the concession agreement for the container terminal at Nador West Med in June 2024. The terminal, provided with 1,520 linear meters of quay, 18 meters of depth, and 70 hectares of yards, will offer 3.4 million TEU at full capacity.

The commissioning of the first phase of this new terminal is scheduled for the beginning of 2027.

In October 2024, CMA CGM revealed it signed a joint venture agreement with Marsa Maroc to equip and operate for 25 years a 750-meter section of quay and 35 hectares of yard within the Nador West Med container terminal. The joint venture, in which CMA CGM and Marsa Maroc committed to hold 49% and 51% respectively, will equip and operate 50% of the Nador West Med container terminal.

Within the framework of a 25-year sub-concession, the CMA CGM Group and Marsa Maroc will make major investments totaling $280 million, with an aim to achieve an annual terminal output of 1.2 million TEUs.

Morocco is expected to contribute significantly to the global energy transition thanks to the potential to become one of the major green hydrogen production countries. In this context, Nador West Med port is poised to become a maritime bunkering hub for alternative fuels in North Africa.

Two months ago, the European Bank for Restructuration and Development (EBRD) unveiled funding of up to MAD 690 million (about €65 million) to Societé D’Exploitation des Ports or Marsa Maroc.

Specifically, the funds will finance expansion and optimization of ports’ operations. What is more, the EBRD will support the digital transformation of Marsa Maroc.

“Both the EU and Morocco are committed to greening industrial value chains and maritime corridors. The Morocco-EU Green Partnership allows us to move further in our joint commitment to address climate change, including with a decarbonised economy. Moroccan ports are key to decarbonise maritime transport and international trade,” Patricia Llombart, EU Ambassador to Morocco, commented in December 2024.