Morocco has launched operations at the first container terminal of its Nador West Med industrial-port complex, a project backed by approximately US$5.53 billion in public and private investment.
Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan inaugurated the East terminal on Saturday in Iaazzanene, Nador Province, on the instructions of King Mohammed VI.
The launch marks the first stage in bringing the wider complex into operation. The project is intended to strengthen Morocco’s position in international maritime trade and create new industrial and logistics opportunities.
The Crown Prince marked the opening by launching a container from a commercial vessel.
Container terminals
The East terminal represents an investment of approximately US$512 million. It has 1,520 metres of quay, an 18-metre draft and 70 hectares of yard space.
Its handling capacity is expected to reach 3.5 million containers by 2030.
A consortium comprising Marsa Maroc and Terminal Investment Limited, part of the MSC Group, will operate and maintain the terminal under a 25-year concession.
A second container facility, the West terminal, is scheduled to begin operations in April 2027.
That terminal involves an investment of approximately US$307 million and will be operated by a consortium of Marsa Maroc and CMA CGM.
It will have 900 metres of quay, 38 hectares of yard space and a capacity of 1.8 million twenty-foot equivalent units. The two terminals are expected to bring the port’s combined container capacity to 5.3 million.
Jobs and industrial investment
The wider complex is expected to create 14,000 direct jobs and 20,000 indirect jobs in the short term, particularly for young people.
It includes a 700-hectare industrial and logistics hub attracting approximately US$1.23 billion in private investment.
Training programmes tailored to emerging industries are also planned to help young people access employment opportunities.
Transport projects will connect the complex to surrounding areas. These include a 49-kilometre railway between Selouane and Nador West Med and a 105-kilometre highway connection from Guercif.
Cargo and energy facilities
The complex will also include a general cargo terminal with a capacity of three million tonnes, scheduled to begin operations in December 2028.
A bulk cargo terminal with a capacity of seven million tonnes is due for delivery in June 2027. A roll-on/roll-off terminal, with a capacity of 400,000 units, was delivered in September 2026.
The planned energy hub includes a liquefied natural gas terminal with a capacity of five billion cubic metres.
A hydrocarbon terminal with a capacity of 25 million tonnes is scheduled to begin operations in April 2027.
Nador West Med forms part of Morocco’s broader strategy to develop competitive ports serving trade between the Mediterranean, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
The project is intended to complement Tanger Med. Along the Atlantic coast, the Dakhla Atlantique project is also expected to strengthen Morocco’s links with African markets and improve access to international trade for countries in the Sahel.
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