Casablanca – Marsa Maroc is advancing a major upgrade of infrastructure at the Port of Casablanca as part of a broader strategy to modernize Morocco’s port system and support growing trade flows. The company has recently commissioned the first phase of a quay deepening project at the port’s multipurpose terminal, enabling the facility to receive significantly larger vessels for the first time.

The initial phase of the project involved the deepening of 230 meters of quay to a draft of 12 meters. This technical enhancement allows the port to accommodate ships with a capacity of up to 60,000 tons, compared to a previous limit of approximately 35,000 tons. The milestone represents a substantial increase in handling capacity and marks a turning point in the port’s operational capabilities.

The project forms part of Marsa Maroc’s long-term investment strategy extending to 2030, which aims to strengthen the competitiveness of its terminals and align infrastructure with international maritime standards. The Casablanca upgrade is a key component of this plan, given the port’s central role in Morocco’s trade network.

Despite its strategic importance, the Port of Casablanca has been facing mounting congestion pressures. The facility currently processes close to 100,000 containers per month, placing significant strain on operations. This congestion has led to additional costs for shipping operators and importers, including surcharges of around $150 per container and vessel immobilization costs estimated at up to $10,000 per day. Over a two-week period, the economic impact of these delays has been estimated at approximately $7 million, highlighting the urgency of infrastructure improvements.

To address these challenges, Marsa Maroc is continuing work to extend the deepened quay length to a total of 530 meters. The full completion of the project is expected by the second quarter of 2028, with an overall execution timeline of around 42 months.

The total investment allocated to the project stands at approximately $49 million. Once completed, the upgrade is expected to increase the annual capacity of the multipurpose terminal to more than 8 million tons. This expansion will be accompanied by additional measures, including the reinforcement of handling equipment and the implementation of operational improvements designed to enhance efficiency.

The deepening of the quays is expected to improve vessel turnaround times by facilitating smoother port calls and reducing waiting periods. These operational gains are likely to contribute to lower logistics costs for port users, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of Moroccan imports and exports.

The broader economic implications are also significant. By improving efficiency at one of the country’s main maritime gateways, the project is expected to support the development of Morocco’s industrial and commercial hinterland. Faster and more reliable port operations can help strengthen supply chains and make Moroccan exports more competitive in international markets.

This initiative comes in the context of a wider investment program by Marsa Maroc, which plans to allocate approximately $2.1 billion between 2025 and 2030 to expand and modernize port infrastructure across the country. In addition to Casablanca, the company is investing in major projects such as the development of new terminals at Nador West Med and upgrades at other key ports.

The company’s recent financial performance provides a solid foundation for these investments. Marsa Maroc has reported strong growth in revenues and profitability, supported by increased cargo volumes and improved operational efficiency. Its financial position remains robust, allowing it to fund expansion projects through a combination of internal resources, partnerships, and external financing.

In parallel with infrastructure development, Marsa Maroc is also pursuing strategic partnerships to strengthen its operational capabilities and international presence. These efforts are intended to position the group as a leading port operator not only in Morocco but also across the broader region.

The commissioning of the first phase of the Casablanca quay deepening project therefore represents more than a technical upgrade. It reflects a broader shift toward modern, high-capacity port infrastructure capable of meeting the evolving demands of global shipping.

As work continues toward full completion in 2028, the project is expected to play a key role in reducing congestion, improving efficiency, and supporting the long-term growth of Morocco’s foreign trade.