RABAT — King Mohammed VI presided over a high-level working session at the Royal Palace in Rabat on Wednesday to launch the next phase of Morocco’s port infrastructure development. The strategy centers on reviewing the final operational steps for the Nador West Med complex and launching the new Tanger Med 3 project.

According to a Royal Court statement, these initiatives aim to bolster Morocco's global trade footprint, industrial output, and energy security by establishing a world-class logistics ecosystem.

Launching Nador West Med and Expanding Energy Infrastructure

During the session, Fouad Brini, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Tanger Med Special Agency (TMSA) and Board Chairman of Nador West Med, presented progress reports on both mega-projects. The Nador West Med complex has drawn 54 billion dirhams in total public and private investment.

Its first container terminal, featuring a processing capacity of 3.5 million containers per year, will enter service in the coming days, while a second terminal adding 1.8 million containers annually is scheduled for April 2027.

Beyond container handling, Nador West Med forms a strategic industrial and energy hub that includes:

• Hydrocarbons Terminal: Planned storage capacity reaching up to 4 million cubic meters.

• Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Terminal: Annual processing capacity of up to 5 billion cubic meters to strengthen national energy security.

• Hinterland Connections: Integration via the Selouane–Nador West Med railway line, the Guercif–Nador West Med motorway, and regional road upgrades.

• Job Creation: Near-term generation of 14,000 direct jobs and 20,000 indirect jobs within its industrial zone.

Tanger Med 3 Expansion Targets Global Top 10 Ranking

To reinforce Morocco’s maritime dominance in the Mediterranean, the sovereign approved the creation of Tanger Med 3, located west of Tanger Med 2. Supported by an 8 billion dirham investment, the new facility will feature 1,200 meters of quays and add an annual capacity of 4.5 million containers.

A concession contract has already been signed with global shipping giant Maersk-APM to develop and operate the new terminal. Once Tanger Med 3 and related expansions are fully operational, the total handling capacity of the Tanger Med complex will reach 20 million containers per year, advancing Morocco's goal to rank among the world's top ten ports.

Human Capital and Equitable Regional Growth

Closing the session, King Mohammed VI emphasized that physical infrastructure must translate into direct socio-economic benefits for local populations. He called for the rapid rollout of specialized vocational training programs tailored to emerging industrial, maritime, and energy sectors.

By linking massive capital investments with workforce training and hinterland logistics, Morocco seeks to ensure that its rising global competitiveness drives sustainable employment and balanced regional development across the Kingdom.