Overview of the Meeting
A pivotal meeting was convened to discuss the Nador West Med port complex, which is set to commence operations in the fourth quarter of this year. This initiative is part of the Royal Vision aimed at sustainably integrating the Kingdom's economy into global value chains through the establishment of premier port infrastructures.
Project Progress Report
During the meeting, Mr. Fouad Brini, Chairman of the Nador West Med Board of Directors, presented a detailed report on the project's current status and achievements to His Majesty the King.
Following the international success of the Tangier Med port, which has become Africa's and the Mediterranean's leading port hub, the Nador West Med project extends this Royal ambition. It aims to create a robust and complementary national port system that enhances the competitiveness of the national economy, generates employment, and fosters balanced regional development.
Investment and Infrastructure Development
Designed as an integrated project, Nador West Med features a state-of-the-art port complex supported by a vast industrial, logistical, and energy platform. To date, the project has attracted a total of 51 billion dirhams in public and private investments.
On the port infrastructure front, essential facilities have been completed, including 5.4 kilometers of breakwaters, 4 kilometers of quays, and four energy terminals. Concession contracts for the two container terminals have been signed and will gradually commence operations this year.
Energy Hub and Capacity Expansion
Nador West Med will also introduce a new energy hub, featuring the Kingdom's first liquefied natural gas terminal with an annual capacity of 5 billion cubic meters, alongside a hydrocarbons terminal. This strategic component directly addresses the Kingdom's energy sovereignty needs.
Initially, the port will have an annual capacity of 5 million containers and 35 million tons of liquid and solid bulk. Ultimately, the project anticipates an additional annual development potential of 12 million containers and 15 million tons of liquid bulk.
Future Developments and Regional Impact
Adjacent to the port complex, plans include the establishment of new activity zones covering 700 hectares in the initial phase, which have already seen the first installations of international operators.
Confirmed private investments in this new port and industrial complex currently total 20 billion dirhams, reflecting the confidence of leading international maritime and industrial operators in Morocco.
Royal Directives for Project Implementation
At the conclusion of the presentation, His Majesty the King issued high-level directives to ensure that all necessary measures are taken by various stakeholders to guarantee the project's successful launch. He emphasized the need for rapid implementation of specific training programs to support investors, facilitate youth integration, and enhance employability.
The Sovereign also instructed that the benefits of these investments extend to all provinces within the port's influence area, alongside the development of territorial upgrading programs aimed at improving the living conditions in the region. A multidimensional action plan will be established to safeguard the project's future development.
Attendees of the Meeting
The meeting was attended by several key officials, including Mr. Abdelouafi Laftit, Minister of the Interior; Ms. Nadia Fettah, Minister of Economy and Finance; Mr. Nizar Baraka, Minister of Equipment and Water; Mr. Ryad Mezzour, Minister of Industry and Trade; Ms. Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development; and Mr. Fouad Brini, Chairman of the Nador West Med Board.
