Morocco’s Tanger Med port complex is growing in global importance

One completed, the new expansion will enable the port complex to, among other things, increase its truck-handling capacity to more than a million vehicles annually – up from the existing capacity of around 500,000 trucks.  

In addition, it will support export greater growth in the agribusiness and industrial sectors, and further reinforce trade links between the region and Europe. 

This is thanks to a new US$206-million loan from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), both of which are members of the World Bank Group. A pool of international banks, led by New York-based investment bank JP Morgan, are also supporting the project with a commercial loan of up to $213-million. 

“This project will strengthen Morocco’s position as a growing global maritime and logistics hub, ideally placed to connect key markets in Europe, Africa and the Americas,” said David Tinel, IFC’s Regional Manager for the Maghreb.  

“We expect this project will serve to draw other investors into Morocco’s infrastructure sector to capitalise on the tremendous opportunities presented as the country gears up to co-organise the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.” 

Report shows a rise in 2024 port activities 

Meanwhile, the Tanger Med port has recently released its report on 2024 activities, which shows an 18.8% increase in container traffic and an overall 16.2% rise in total cargo throughput, which reached 142-million tons for the year. 

Additionally, the number of vessel calls rose by 3.4%, reflecting the growing appeal of Tanger Med for major global shipping lines. Among them are routes by the Hapag-Lloyd and Arkas shipping companies, linking Tanger Med with West African ports. 

Tanger Med has also been boosting its international presence by participating in major industry events such as Fruit Attraction in Madrid, Spain and the Port Authorities Roundtable in Barcelona, Spain. 

Reports 7 News Morocco: “The Tanger Med port complex has wrapped up 2024 with remarkable performances and strategic advancements, solidifying its position as a key player in global maritime trade. With strong growth in traffic, major investments and expanded services, Morocco’s flagship port continues to strengthen its role as a vital international logistics hub.” 

According to 2024 figures, Tanger Med has direct maritime connectivity to around 180 ports and 70 countries. 

Tanger Med is located 45km northeast of the Moroccan city Tangier and is opposite the Spanish city of Tarifa, which is 31km (17 nautical miles) away, across the Strait of Gibraltar. The strait is one of the busiest waterways in the world and the only natural link between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.