NADOR, Morocco — Morocco has taken a major step in expanding its maritime and industrial infrastructure as His Royal Highness Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, acting on the High Instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, officially launched operations at the first container terminal of the Nador West Med Port.
The inauguration took place on Saturday in the commune of Iaazzanene, in Nador Province, marking the beginning of the operational phase of the ambitious industrial-port complex.
The wider Nador West Med project has mobilized approximately MAD 54 billion in public and private investment. It is designed to strengthen Morocco’s position in international maritime trade while creating a new center for industrial, logistics and economic activity in the country’s northeastern region.
During the ceremony, the Crown Prince launched the first container-unloading operation at the port’s East terminal.
East Terminal Begins Operations
The first terminal, known as the East terminal, represents an investment of approximately MAD 5 billion.
It features:
- 1,520 meters of quay
- An 18-meter draft
- 70 hectares of container yard space
- Planned capacity of 3.5 million containers by 2030
The terminal will be operated under a 25-year concession by a consortium comprising Morocco’s Marsa Maroc and Terminal Investment Limited, a subsidiary of the MSC Group.
The partnership brings together Moroccan port-operating expertise and one of the world’s major international shipping groups.
Second Container Terminal Planned for 2027
The complex will also include a second facility, the West container terminal, which is expected to begin operations in April 2027.
The West terminal will have a planned capacity of 1.8 million TEUs, with approximately MAD 3 billion in investment. It will include 900 meters of quay and 38 hectares of yard space.
The terminal is being developed under a concession awarded to a consortium comprising Marsa Maroc and CMA CGM.
Once both container terminals are operational, Nador West Med is expected to reach a combined container-handling capacity of 5.3 million TEUs.
A Major Energy and Cargo Hub
Beyond container shipping, Nador West Med is being developed as a diversified maritime and energy center.
Its planned facilities include:
- General cargo terminal: Capacity of 3 million tons, with operations scheduled for December 2028.
- Bulk cargo terminal: Capacity of 7 million tons, scheduled for delivery in June 2027.
- Roll-on/roll-off terminal: Designed to handle 400,000 vehicles or units, with 380 meters of quay. The source reports delivery in September 2026.
- Liquefied natural gas terminal: Planned capacity of 5 billion cubic meters.
- Hydrocarbon terminal: Planned capacity of 25 million tons, supported by three 125-meter quays.
The energy facilities are scheduled to begin operations in April 2027, according to the project information supplied.
Thousands of Jobs Expected
The project is also expected to have a significant impact on employment and regional development.
According to the official project information, the industrial-port complex is expected to generate approximately 14,000 direct jobs and 20,000 indirect jobs in the short term, with particular opportunities for young people.
An industrial and logistics zone covering 700 hectares is also planned to attract businesses and productive investment. The zone is expected to mobilize approximately MAD 12 billion in private investment.
Training programs tailored to the needs of emerging industries are also expected to support the professional integration of young Moroccans.
New Transport Connections to Support the Port
To improve access and connect the port with the wider region, the project includes major transport infrastructure.
These plans include a 49-kilometer railway linking Selouane to Nador West Med and a 105-kilometer highway connection from the city of Guercif.
The connections are intended to facilitate the movement of goods, strengthen logistics networks and improve access to industrial and commercial markets.
Complementing Tanger Med and Dakhla Atlantique
Nador West Med forms part of Morocco’s broader strategy to develop a competitive network of ports along both the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts.
The project is intended to complement the existing Tanger Med complex and strengthen Morocco’s role as a logistics platform connecting Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
On the Atlantic coast, the Dakhla Atlantique project is also intended to expand Morocco’s maritime infrastructure and improve access to international markets for countries in the Sahel.
Together, these developments reflect Morocco’s ambition to increase its participation in global trade, attract international investment and support economic development across different regions of the Kingdom.
A New Chapter for Northern Morocco
The launch of operations at Nador West Med’s first container terminal marks an important milestone for the project and for Morocco’s wider infrastructure strategy.
With additional terminals, energy facilities, transport links and industrial zones planned, the complex is expected to create new opportunities for trade, investment and employment.
The next phase will focus on bringing the remaining facilities into operation and attracting businesses that can make use of the port’s growing capacity.
World Media Feed will continue following the development of Nador West Med and its impact on Morocco’s economy and international trade.
Source
- Official information supplied for this report on the launch of operations at Nador West Med, following the High Instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
Note: Future capacities, employment figures and scheduled opening dates are project targets or announced timelines, not confirmation that all facilities are already operational.
About the Author
