King Mohammed VI chaired a work session today at the Royal Palace in Rabat, dedicated to reviewing the progress of the Nador West Med industrial and port complex—whose first facilities are expected to become operational in the coming days—as well as the project to expand the Tanger Med port complex through the launch of construction works for the new Tanger Med 3 port.
Below is the press release from the Royal Cabinet:
“His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, chaired a work session today at the Royal Palace in Rabat, dedicated to reviewing the progress of the Nador West Med industrial and port complex, whose first facilities are expected to enter service in the coming days, as well as the expansion project of the Tanger Med port complex through the launch of construction works for the new Tanger Med 3 port.
This meeting, which comes as a follow-up to the work sessions chaired by His Majesty dedicated to the development of major national port projects—particularly the meeting held on January 28—featured a presentation by the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Tanger Med Special Agency (TMSA) and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nador West Med, on the progress of these two projects and the upcoming phases of their development.
These two new projects fall within the framework of the Royal vision aimed at equipping Morocco with a high-performance port system capable of enhancing its competitiveness amid the reshaped global value chains. These ambitions combine national growth with regional development through a better distribution of public investment, the mobilization of private capital, and the creation of new employment prospects. They are also expected to translate into tangible benefits for the inhabitants of neighboring regions, while consolidating value creation within local territories.
The Nador West Med project complements the offerings provided by the Tanger Med port, reinforcing Morocco’s logistical, industrial, and energy standing. This project, which combines port infrastructure with industrial, logistical, and energy platforms, has mobilized public and private investments amounting to 54 billion dirhams to date.
The first container terminal, whose initial phase will soon become operational, will offer a capacity reaching 3.5 million containers upon completion. A second terminal, with a capacity of 1.8 million containers, will also enter service in April 2027. These two terminals will mobilize private investments worth 8 billion dirhams.
The energy component of the project includes the commissioning of a hydrocarbon terminal connected to a storage area with a potential capacity of 4 million cubic meters, alongside a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal capable of processing up to 5 billion cubic meters annually. These investments are part of strengthening the Kingdom’s energy security, in accordance with the High Royal Instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him.
The offering will be further complemented by a solid bulk terminal and another for miscellaneous goods.
Regarding the industrial zone, which is already operational, it currently houses one active factory, while three other factories are under construction. This zone is expected to offer new opportunities for economic activity and professional integration. In the near term, the Nador West Med complex will enable the creation of 14,000 direct jobs and 20,000 indirect jobs.
This dynamic is supported by the establishment of connecting infrastructures, including the railway line linking Selouane to Nador West Med, the Guercif–Nador West Med highway, and the upgrading of the road network, ensuring improved service to neighboring regions.
In parallel, the Tanger Med port expansion project presented to His Majesty will strengthen the capacity of this port complex through the upcoming launch of construction works for Tanger Med 3.
Located west of Tanger Med 2, this new port will feature 1,200 meters of quays, providing an additional capacity of 4.5 million containers annually, with an investment of 8 billion dirhams.
A concession contract has been signed with Maersk–APM, one of the global leaders in maritime transport, to develop the new container terminal. This project also coincides with the ongoing expansion of the passenger and truck port, and will enable the expansion of the eastern part of Tanger Med 2.
With the completion of these new projects, the total capacity of the Tanger Med port complex could reach 20 million containers, qualifying it to rank among the top ten container ports in the world.
At the close of the work session, His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, emphasized the necessity for the economic and social impacts of these projects to benefit all concerned regions and translate into tangible improvements in the living conditions of the local population. In this context, His Majesty called for the accelerated implementation of training programs tailored to the needs of emerging economic activities, contributing to enhancing the professional integration of youth.
The work session was attended by Royal Advisor Mr. Fouad Ali El Himma, Minister of the Interior Mr. Abdelouafi Laftit, Minister of Economy and Finance Mr. Fouzi Lekjaa, Minister of Equipment and Water Mr. Nizar Baraka, Minister of Industry and Trade Mr. Ryad Mezzour, and the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Tanger Med Special Agency and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nador West Med, Mr. Fouad Brini.”