Morocco Signs New Concession with APM Terminals as Port Expansion Proceeds

Morocco is pushing forward with efforts to increase its container capacity as it looks to expand its role as a leading transshipment port serving Europe and other key routes. Officials reported they have entered into a new contract with APM Terminals for the third phase of Tangier Med, as the other major cargo port, Nador West Med, is also set to launch operations.

“These two new projects are part of the Royal Vision to equip Morocco with an efficient port system capable of strengthening its competitiveness in the face of the restructuring of global value chains,” the government reported after a meeting of the Royal Office. “This ambition combines national growth with regional development through a more equitable distribution of public investment, the mobilization of private capital, and the creation of job opportunities. It should also result in tangible benefits for residents of neighboring areas while ensuring that value creation is rooted in local communities.”

The Tanger Med 1 port complex started operations in July 2007, reports APM, and currently has an annual capacity of 1.8 million TEU. The company moved to the second phase of its operations launched in June 2019, following an investment of more than $800 million. Two expansion projects – starting in 2021 and completed in December 2024 – significantly increased the terminal’s capacity with a total of 5.2 million TEU annually.

This story was originally published by The Maritime Executive. Read the full story at The Maritime Executive →