Morocco is advancing two major maritime infrastructure projects, including an $815 million expansion of Tanger Med and the upcoming launch of Nador West Med, strengthening the country's position as a regional hub for international trade, logistics, and energy.
Morocco is preparing to expand its maritime infrastructure with an investment of MAD 8 billion (approximately $815 million) in the Tanger Med 3 project, while the first container terminal at Nador West Med is expected to begin operations in the coming days.
King Mohammed VI chaired a working meeting at the Royal Palace in Rabat on October 28 to review progress on both developments, according to a statement issued by the Royal Cabinet.
The projects form part of Morocco's broader strategy to strengthen its competitiveness in global supply chains, attract international investment, expand industrial activity, and diversify its energy infrastructure.
Tanger Med 3 to Increase Container Capacity to 20 Million TEUs
The planned Tanger Med 3 expansion will add approximately 4.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in annual container-handling capacity, supported by 1,200 meters of new quays.
Located west of the existing Tanger Med 2 complex, the new terminal represents an investment of approximately MAD 8 billion ($815 million).
A concession agreement has already been signed with Maersk-APM for the development and operation of the terminal, further strengthening the involvement of international shipping and logistics operators in Morocco's port infrastructure.
Once the planned developments are completed, Tanger Med's total annual container-handling capacity could reach 20 million TEUs, potentially positioning the complex among the world's ten largest container ports by capacity.
The expansion follows another year of growth at Tanger Med, which handled approximately 11.1 million TEUs in 2025, representing an 8.4% increase compared with the previous year.
According to the port authority, this growth was largely supported by the expansion of Terminal TC4, operated by APM Terminals.
Additional developments include upgrades to passenger and roll-on/roll-off facilities and a proposed eastward extension of Tanger Med 2.
Nador West Med Attracts $5.4 Billion in Investment
Alongside the Tanger Med expansion, Morocco is preparing to launch initial operations at Nador West Med, a major industrial and maritime complex on the country's northeastern Mediterranean coast.
The project has attracted MAD 54 billion (approximately $5.4 billion) in public and private investment, combining container terminals, industrial zones, logistics facilities, and energy infrastructure.
Its first container terminal is expected to begin operations shortly, with an eventual annual handling capacity of 3.5 million TEUs.
A second terminal, scheduled to enter service in April 2027, will provide an additional 1.8 million TEUs, bringing their combined planned capacity to approximately 5.3 million TEUs annually.
The two container terminals represent a separate MAD 8 billion in private investment.
The complex will also accommodate terminals dedicated to solid bulk cargo and general merchandise, allowing it to serve a broader range of commercial and industrial activities.
Energy Infrastructure to Strengthen Morocco's Supply Security
A major component of Nador West Med is its planned energy infrastructure, which is expected to support Morocco's efforts to diversify energy imports and improve supply security.
The development includes a hydrocarbon terminal connected to a storage area with a potential capacity of four million cubic meters.
It also provides for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal capable of processing up to five billion cubic meters of natural gas annually.
These facilities could expand Morocco's access to international energy markets and provide additional infrastructure for importing, storing, and distributing hydrocarbons.
The LNG development is particularly significant as Morocco continues to diversify its natural gas supply arrangements following the suspension of Algerian gas deliveries through the Maghreb-Europe pipeline in 2021.
Since June 2022, Morocco has received natural gas through reverse flows from Spain, making additional LNG infrastructure an important potential component of its long-term energy strategy.
Industrial Development and Job Creation
Beyond maritime and energy operations, Nador West Med is expected to contribute to industrial development and employment in northeastern Morocco.
The associated industrial zone has already begun operations, with one factory operational and three additional facilities under construction.
According to the Royal Cabinet, the wider development is expected to generate approximately 14,000 direct jobs and 20,000 indirect jobs in the short term.
Supporting infrastructure includes the Selouane–Nador West Med railway connection, the Guercif–Nador West Med highway, and improvements to surrounding road networks.
These transport links are designed to facilitate cargo movements, connect industrial facilities with national logistics networks, and improve access to regional and international markets.
During the meeting, King Mohammed VI emphasized the importance of ensuring that the economic benefits of the projects extend to surrounding communities, particularly through employment opportunities, vocational training, and local economic development.
Strengthening Morocco's Position in Mediterranean Trade
The combined development of Tanger Med 3 and Nador West Med reflects Morocco's ambition to expand its role in maritime trade between Europe, Africa, and Asia.
By increasing container-handling capacity, developing energy import facilities, and expanding industrial and logistics infrastructure, the country aims to attract additional international investment and respond to changes in global supply chains.
The projects also highlight the growing relationship between port development, energy security, and industrial competitiveness, as Morocco continues to position its Mediterranean coastline as a strategic gateway for international commerce.
With Nador West Med approaching its initial operational phase and Tanger Med preparing for another major expansion, Morocco is advancing a new stage in the development of its maritime and logistics infrastructure.
