The competitiveness of ports is increasingly reliant on their ability to manage growing traffic flows while minimizing wait times. In Morocco, operators are expediting the modernization of port facilities to support the rising demands of maritime and logistics traffic.
A significant shipment of 10 rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGs) is currently being transported for Marsa Maroc, part of a larger order of 50 units placed last year with the Chinese manufacturer Genma Solutions. These advanced handling equipment units are designed for container operations and will be deployed at Casablanca's Terminal 3 (TC3PC) as well as the upcoming Nador West Med port. Their arrival in Morocco is expected in early July.
This investment is aligned with the ongoing expansion of the kingdom's port infrastructure. At Nador West Med, which is slated to commence operations in 2027, the new RTGs will contribute to preparing the operational phase of the complex. In Casablanca, they aim to enhance the productivity of TC3PC, which has been experiencing persistent congestion for several months.
This congestion has led to extended vessel turnaround times and increased challenges for cargo retrieval. Recently, local media reported a potential strike movement by several port stakeholders due to the growing pressure on operations. Initially scheduled for June 1, the strike was ultimately suspended.
Among the measures implemented to streamline operations is the establishment of a continuous 24-hour service for several strategic port activities.
More broadly, these investments are part of Morocco's strategy to solidify its position as a leading logistics and port hub in Africa and the Mediterranean. Besides the Tangier Med port, which handled 11.1 million TEUs in 2025 and ranks among the top five container ports globally, several of the country’s infrastructures are undergoing expansion programs as part of the national port strategy aimed at 2030.
This roadmap envisions increasing the country's overall port capacity to 390 million tons, with annual traffic projected to reach 300 million tons, compared to 300 million tons of capacity and 261 million tons of traffic recorded in 2025.
As reported by agenceecofin.com.
